The Water's Edge

 

 
 
 

 (Nairn, 2001)

In daybreak's light screeching gulls take wing,
While in thorny bushes tiny warblers sing.
Away from the beach with waves whispering
Along the water's edge.

In warming sunshine, another thrill,
As over grassy dunes the skylark's trill
Fills the air, so sweet and shrill
Far above the water's edge.

Already running as our feet hit the sand
Leaping down from the soft dune-land.
We race across the wide white strand,
Down to the water's edge.

With buckets and spades we have such fun,
Round moated castle the water's run.
As the tide comes in, our digging's done,
Down at the water's edge.

The tide goes out with astonishing speed,
Over mollusc-rich flats where waders feed.
With probing beaks they eat all they need,
Beside the water's edge.

Now roosting seagulls fly no more,
From the darkening sky the chill winds roar,
While crashing waves beat on the shore,
Pounding the water's edge.


 
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