The Cove
by P.H. Wise

The salt-water scent rose over surging waves -
Water raced towards the shore
in long blue ribbons, lifting the bobbing tops
of leafy sea-trees swaying with the tide

Golden garibaldi darted - shimmered -
In the depths of that green-lit forest:
Brilliant gold on green on blue
As sunbeams shimmered on the waves

The roaring, hissing, spluttering waves
Like a prideful man whose dignity is pricked
threw themselves upon the rocky beach
with ever growing violence -

the rocks laughed a clattering laugh
as the ocean surged in vain;
and all the fury of the tide
by pebbles was restrained.