…a phenomena
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 hush descends
in the placid darkness
a universe beneath
where a deeper
realisation dawns
the surface is always
a phenomena
of beauty and peace
yet only fleeting
hiding an angry swell
of ceaseless change
and it breaks the heart
that such rare perfection
disappears so soon
frantic waves
of restlessness
both deep and shallow
stirred and still
constantly regenerating
and above and below
the depths are full of life
within this sea
of suffering
the waves now gentle
diffused in weaving drifts
then suddenly mingling
in one tumultuous lament
their song sad and clear
their one vertical moment
now fading away
into the infinite distance
© Ann Bagnall
2013
Revised 2024
