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)