poetry

Talking to Martin Hopkins

Sally

Hey, Martin!
I am angry! Disheartened —
Kept that dory near your boat
[FLOAT!

GOD DAMMIT!}
You know, we ran the gamut
Of Nantucket fishing holes
Shoals

I’m waiting —
Waiting — we should be baiting
Trawling hauling up some catch…
Scratch

That daydream!
Sitting on this pier, sunbeam
Flickers on the water, but
What?

What happened?
You’re gone. I tip my cap and
Move on. But, brother, I cry
Why?

This is my response to the W3 prompt by Leslie Scoble. (Congrats, Leslie!)

The prompt: Write a monologue poem in which a character—historical, fictional, or original—takes center stage. Step into their voice and let them speak. Who are they, and whom are they addressing? Reveal their personality through their words, tone, and actions.

  • Set the Scene – Your character must be seated on a bench. It could be a park bench, a courtroom seat, a workbench, or even the dreaded school “naughty bench.”
  • Use Subtext – What remains unsaid is just as important as what is spoken. Let hidden emotions or unspoken truths add depth.
  • Engage the Audience – Though alone, their words should feel directed at someone or something—whether a specific listener, a memory, or the universe itself. 
  • Finish Strong – End with a revelation, a twist, or a lingering thought that leaves an impact.

This is loosely based on some family history of my great-grandfather, Martin Hopkins, who was a Nantucket fisherman who died when his schooner went down in a storm in 1899.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Sally

12 thoughts on “Talking to Martin Hopkins”

  4. Thank you, Sally, for your rhythmical, poignant and emotional poem. Your protagonist conveys anger, sadness and longing in their dialogue with Martin Hopkins (great title). I love the imagery, and I can see your bench on the pier. I can smell the salt air in the nautical setting of fishing and grief. Your subtext and final lines are powerful and evocative. I love the dialogue and your poem, Sally.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your kind words, Leslie. I’m glad you could feel the emotion of it.

      Did you feel it was a dialogue? I was picturing one man on a bench talking to no one, or his dead brother, or the ocean — which may be all one and the same. I was going for monologue, but maybe I don’t understand monologue.

      Reply

  7. Sally, this poem captures deep loss and frustration beautifully. The imagery is vivid, and your portrayal of Martin’s voice feels so heartfelt and powerful to me.

    ~David

    Reply

Leave a reply to brazannemuse Cancel reply