A cross on a hillock

reminds water

of its changed course.

 

Scurvygrass, sea aster,

salicornia, thrift.

 

Redshank, widgeon,

teal, curlew

interrupt the silence.

 

Their lilting cries

the estuary’s song.

 

Cold blue river reflects

an aquamarine sky

while light remains

on a chill January.

 

Express trains clatter

across the horizon

minding their own business

linking nations and cities.

 

Blanched tree trunk

regularly rinsed

by tides is residue

beside the coast path.

 

Just when you think

everything has receded

forever the North Sea

turns, begins to sweep

inland once more.