Only a narrow stretch of ocean left now
between the signposts, the spume growing wilder
lifting more boldly – you imagine yourself drawn in,
tugged all ways past the horizon.

Isn’t it enough just to be here on this ivory sand
watching breakers curl against clouds darkening, still far out,
spellbound by the limitless, the reach of coast?

Six o’clock now, the show’s closing down.
                                           A few paragliders swoop in
while children put final touches to their sandcastle.
Soon they’ll carry water to the moat.