An August Day

A sleepy day in Budleigh Salterton –
Beneath the azure sky, with paper layers
Of fragile cloud, a postcard seaside scene;
Sun worshippers sprawled out in stripy chairs,

And joyful toddlers heaping stone on stone,
And teenage sweethearts sharing fish and chips,
And slowly shuffling with their walking sticks,
Old friends with many memories on their lips,

And while you brave the tranquil, chilly sea
My eye is drawn towards the small white yacht
That sails along the edge of what is seen,
And as it fades from sight I wonder what

May lie beyond the boundary of my view,
And if my course is somewhere known or new.

18 Aug 24