The Cove (revised)
by P.H. Wise

The salt-water scent rises from the waves
Water races towards the distant shore
In long blue ribbons, lifting the bobbing tops
Of leafy sea-trees swaying with the tide

Golden garibaldi dart and shimmer
In the depths of that green-lit forest
Tranquil, though there grows a wrath above;
Sunlight shimmers on the cresting waves

Then the roaring, hissing, spluttering waves,
Like a prideful man whose dignity is pricked
Throw themselves upon the rocky beach
With ever growing violence –

The rocks laugh a clattering laugh
As the oceans surge in vain
And all the fury of the tide
By pebbles is restrained.