…distance
Ripples in the sea
embanked by gold
on beds of silver sand
liquid diamonds in the sun
alluvial pearls along the shore
in luminous reflection
so pure, so clear, so calm
a quiet peace descends
placid darkness
a universe beneath
a deeper realisation dawns
the surface hides
an angry swell
of ceaseless change
it breaks the heart
that such rare perfection
disappears so soon
waves of frantic restlessness
deep and shallow
stirred or still
they regenerate
above and below
the depths are full of life
these beauties are but fleeting
within the sea of suffering
diffused in weaving drifts
mingled in one tumultuous lament
one vertical moment
into infinite distance
sad and clear
© Ann Bagnall
