The Strand - Magpie Tales 71

Image Courtesy of Tess @ Magpie Tales

Above this week's visual prompt from Tess @ Magpie Tales, which reminded me of colourful fish and then the sea.  So here's one from an early childhood memory - Visit Here - for some wonderful takes on the prompt, or even better have a go yourself!


The Strand

I am three years old,

the tide’s coming in,

new sights and sounds,

of an unknown place.

The breeze batters my ears and face,

filling my hair with knots and sand.

Against sea and sky he stands,

trouser legs rolled up,

white chalk skin, unforeseen.

He turns to the sea, his back to me,

I am cold,

the wind cutting out all other sounds.

As he walks away, the blue waters eat his feet,

my mother's hands grip mine,

‘No,’  I roar.

The strand is huge,

swallowing my sobs,

‘shush,’ she says holding tighter still,
as my father turns,
coming back from the sea,

into memory.