Journeys and Places

Heathland to Coastline | The Island Beyond | Seeking | The Poetry Evening | In A Desert Place | The Last Boundary | Eucalyptus Wood | Quest | Riding Home

The Island Beyond

The island looked so close,

still washed in sunlight, the low hills

green and purple under the sky.

waves lapped at my feet, darkening

the sand-gold beach to umber.

I grasped the dinghy, wading out,

jumping in, pulling swiftly at the oars

towards my land of mystery and magic.

The sea, rolling, made a soft music,

light reflected, making a bright ribbon

stretching across the blue grey sea.

Looking over my shoulder, the island

seemed far off in the distance

though the mainland was receding.

I rowed harder, when next I looked

I could see cottages on the shore,

a glow of excitement gave me energy,

then I felt a sudden swell, the tide turned.

My pleasure faded, I must go back,

no use rowing against it in so small a boat.

Somehow I turned it round, waves rolling,

the long shore beckoned, the sea rose higher,

then currents captured the small craft,

struggling, I found myself in clearer water,

but stll how far the land, wild thoughts

of whether I could swim that distance rippled

across my mind; a fear arose, perhaps

I would be lost at sea forever, drifting

endlessly on unknown waters.

The sea loosed it’s grip, the shore came closer,

soon I was leaping out, pulling the boat on land.

They waited on the beach, ‘Where were you,

we couldn’t see you, we worried!’

I couldn’t tell them, it was a mad impulse,

A need for some great adventure.

I turned, looking across the vast expanse,

the sun a golden circle, turning the sea to silver,

the island black against the far horizon.