staring at the land
time is spent
for them
but they look
anyway
once they breathed
saw sunlight
drank beer
until
they sank
On storm surges
they stand
on tidal beaches
fretting
for a glimpse
of candle glow
that glow
that warms
a fretted soul
cold from deep water
home again
just a league
offshore
reaching for sand
When the sea
thrashes in torment
they sing
for lost loves
to kiss
their children
hold wives
in close embrace
But dark nights
are an empty chalice
no soul
just tidal water
and noisy shingle
dragging beaches...