Edge
The path we trod two summers since
has plunged into the sea.
Blue water meets red cliff in a
new configuration;
a recent fence
reroutes us
away from the precipice
along an oblique line of defence.
No sign of the shoe-worn track
we pace in single file;
you ahead, I behind.
Below, out of sight,
our conjoined footprints lie shattered
in a tangle of uprooted tree,
briar and mud;
an ugly testimony to sudden disaster.
How many times must we beat
our retreat
from this drought-cracked land?
Future storms will find
its weaknesses and see
today’s brave fences
disappear
like yesterday’s.
For now, a single-surviving stave
dangles from the edge –
a bizarre signpost to oblivion.
Page(s) 32
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