The Sea At L`Ancresse - (A beach for all seasons) - Judith Anne Finetti

The sea at L`Ancresse
A constant in my life

How many sandcastles has it carried away
During my lifetime?
The Duplo Lego of littoral art

A simple beach, no pier or bobbing boats
But a slipway which makes every
Swim at high tide a special treat

How many dog walkers and their dogs
Have left their footprints there?
Only in the winter months of course

And how many novice surfers have taken
Their first hesitant steps with the waves
Which are kindlier than at Vazon
With the big boys

How many lovers in my lifetime have
Walked across that sand at sunset?

And how many ice lollies have melted
In its baking sun?
Small children always promise they will finish them

And how many picnics have been enjoyed
On a table which is washed clean twice a day
Crumbs are not a problem and
What`s a bit of sand in your sandwiches?

And how many horses have enjoyed a canter
On soft sand after the hard tarmac of the road?

And how many skylarks have soared above this beach
With their heart lifting song?

And how many of the primitive folk
Who lived on the nearby headland
And up on The Doyle have gazed at this same sea?
So long ago

There is something comforting about the endless pounding
Of the waves
Month after month
Year after year
You can rely on it
Puts things into perspective somehow

Judith Anne Finetti