Coastal Path

on this wind-blasted coastal strip

with their backs to the waves

small trees bend

to look like scraggy crabs

marching onward

though crabs walk sideways

and the invading trees come fearlessly forwards

keen about their business

covering the land as best they can

taking positions on this sandy hill

on that smooth hillock

on those strange humps

in this cutting of shells

gorse and hawthorn defending the shore

supported by heather under fire

marram grass on dunes

and the few rough-coated sheep

ignoring old wire defences

and keep out notices

surround a smashed gun battery

take over a deserted lookout post

like soldiers coming into the lines

to meet projectiles hurled in their direction

defending territory between sea

and the golf course

with its battery operated buggies

generally having a rough time of it

inquisitive rabbits

peer from the burrows

and the council truck

with its theodolites

brings up the big guns

_

gw2008, 2011(revised)