Julia Casterton
Four Figures On A Shoreline
These rockpools have me sliding over
bulbs and orbs of bladderwrack, sea-belt,
spiral wrack and sea-thong. They wrap their webbed feet
round my own until I lose my balance. Which element
am I in? Where is home? The huge necklace
round my feet tells me I am not dressed,
if there is one, for the feast.
One side of the pool heaves and sucks
and comes alive. What is water,
what is land? And out comes one crab
pulling weed, while four more leap on it
like food. They pince, they drag it
upside down, they put the softness underneath
on show. Will it give in and turn around?
Oh no. Where does matter meet with mind?
Two women push their broad nets, bent,
wading to their knees.
‘As-tu des pêches?’ calls one.
The other calls back ‘Rien.’
Their dog, marooned, moans a high moan.
You fish the shoreline as the tide goes out.
Fling me a bone old mate, give me some meat
Will you smile at me? I am hungry, give me to eat.
Where do land and water meet?
Page(s) 39
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