On the beach at Alexandria
The ripples spark in the sun,
which always shines.
No rain dimples the water.
We paddle, exploring the edge
of an ocean of which
we can see so little.
The waves reach higher
up the beach, we jump them,
move further from the shore,
ready to dive in and break through.
The sea will support us,
drag us down,
lift us back to the sun.
High tide comes,
breakers crash into us.
We are soaked,
dragged by the flows.
We lean on each other,
bracing for the next wave.
Later, at low water
the sand reappears,
there is room to play.
Happy now at the sea’s edge
just watching the waves,
watching others paddle, explore.
Dawn
In the long dark misheard
whispers hint a presence,
hunters searching for prey.
Light stalks over the horizon,
revealing boundaries
that restrained the night.
Silver birches appear
through the mists.
The sun-dial emerges.
The air retains its shape.
A bird breaks through -
a black streak.
The sun, climbing out,
shifts dark clouds
into white, reveals
day's colours;
discloses my path
to escape the night.
_____________________________________
Bert Molsom retired early to become an apprentice poet, fully understanding apprenticeships last a long time! He has been long-listed for the Bridport Prize, won Poetry on Loan 2016 and been Highly Recommended in a number of other competitions. Having moved house twice in 12 months he is now getting back to work!
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