we are left with a westerly wind
blowing us memories of the five isles*
deepening our response to the autumn apples
squashed into pulp on the greenway pavement
when I stood upon the beach at midnight
I wasn’t looking for a ship to sail
only wanting a quiet life
after long years of silence
and trooping back along the boards and rushes
I felt a sudden urge
to make for the sanctuary of the hide
peer again through a slat into dark waters
we are left with a westerly wind
re-inhabiting points of loss
most keenly felt when as children
we frequented an empty toy shop
a shop where nobody came
I went there with half a crown
to the elderly brothers in brown
I went for a five shilling blessing
but brought only half a crown
bless me for I have sinned
only here do I find peace
here in the sanctuary of the hide
kneeling above dark waters
clutching the past like a broken toy
*[Isles of Scilly]