Clinging To The Coast (Poetry)

Lulled by the heat the lazy flattened sea slow-crawls
to lick around— nose rocks along the bay
no sign of that fierce animal with savage claws
for now it’s tame — all wildness put away.

The houses bask upon the cliff — their standing firm
small boats are far out fishing ’midst the calm
a host of dark dots browned beneath the sky’s white burn
all cloud formation banished by some charm.

Such watercolour landscapes paint too-pretty views
a shift in weather shows a darker place
those old devotees of the local shipping news
have witnessed that dramatic change of face.

They’ve seen the ocean’s fury as it batters in
where slamming waves send shudders through the rock
the death count and the shipwreck damage shattering
left reeling in the aftermath of shock.

Each brutish storm plays pitiless — then spits them out
treats flesh and bone and wood and stone the same
and proves to those survivors there is little doubt
the elements will beat them — every game.

Determined souls stay stubborn to the very end
cling close as limpets to this jagged coast
remain unmoveable whatever God may send
for this is home — the land they love the most.