It is no coincidence that our Writer’s Market falls on Phoebe Watson’s birthday, June 1st. At HWHG we celebrate many of Phoebe Watson’s artistic pursuits like painted china, watercolours and writing. Phoebe Watson was an avid writer and poet, and some of her poems are found in Homer Watson House & Gallery’s collection.
Despite many of Phoebe’s poems being drafts and unfinished, it provides us a unique insight into Phoebe’s creative process.
One of Phoebe’s drafted poems describes a car ride she took past a group of ships. In the draft, there are crossed-out lines and words written on top of the ends of sentences to show how Phoebe was putting her thoughts together. It is unclear whether this poem was finished, or if she intended to keep adding to it.
As in our car we glide by ships, locked in their narrow lair
Have a strange and futile air
[–How–] slowly the gates open wide
And they are borne on the tide
To far seas, river, + sky
There again the skies lower
And the air begins to [groan]
But into a [lane] [we] [run]
And between the rain + sun
we have lots and [heaps] of fun
Taking our meal while we [stand]
Beside the [beach] in the shad[e]
On we go in the sunlight
Out to the winding highway
Winding over *the* bridges
Where quick curves at the ridge
[Give]
The scene evokes a summery feeling, possibly calling back to a time when she visited her lakeside cottage in Oliphant, Ontario.
Phoebe Watson’s poem may not be finished, but it still captures the feeling of summer—road trips, changing scenery, and the excitement of the journey. Her words remind us that writing doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. As we honour Phoebe’s creativity, we hope her work inspires you to take your own trips, enjoy the sunshine, and maybe even write about your adventures. Every story starts with just a few words!
