The Island

Defined, the rugged coastline

punctuated silted inlets with glorious sands

the heron stands resplendent

silhouetted against moonlit reflections

always rippling and glistening

Casting a glance seaward a realisation

a regression colouring the tortured mind

driven to despair and isolation

all the time wondering, worrying

“What catastrophe awaits the innocent?”

Hurling, indomitable winds

howling screeches of billowing trees

mask the new uncertainty of abrupt change

A community longing not a new safe identity

but mourning, lamenting their loss

amongst safe sands and sea

Hues, shades of Spring may lighten the heart

bring concordance to the bewildered

all the time soothing, masking redness of eye,

darkness of soul, searching,

yet soothed by the sureness of another day

Together united, new and the bold

replenishing growing like heather in colour

outstretched strands of healing, like tentacles

they envelop but reassure the islanders

offering comfort and solace

How to rebuild shattered lives and dreams

enlightening their world of beauty of wonder?

Such is the heartening perennial cycle of life

the gyre, comforting young and old alike

amidst the unthinkable maelstrom

Poignant sorrow embroidered in the forlorn faces

illuminated as by a passing aurora

soon engulfed in compassion, love,

shuddering realisations calmed by the beauty

of the Island in all its bountiful glory

There is something exalted in the rocky foreshore

not gilded, but immutable and grand

enduring mighty circles of standing stones

firmament stretching down, serenely soothing

Nature, munificent provider, companion in life

deep pain ebbing, not washed away

gaining strength, understanding,

a knowing respect for the inimitable power

a healing redeemed in friendships and peace

Copyright 2020 ARC