House by the Water



Down by the sea

and in the estuary

the hills have noses sniffing

amongst the rustling spray

Like dogs in the twilight

they slink down tonight

and curl up

under

stars


Out in the harbour

and on the river

the boats are dipping their backs

into the quiet water

Like ladles in milk

denting the surface silk

they stir

as the tide

turns


High in the air

and so bright up there

the sleek sun is watching

for shiny fish below

Like the eyes of the hunter

sleepless and bright

it glitters

as the earth

moves on


Up in the attic

and where the stairs creek

the walls have small ears listening

to the echoes of our life

Like underwater caves

they are filled with waves

eroding

their own

memories


Inside the hearth

and forming the fire

the quick flames are moths

licking and sipping at dead wood

The whispering host

will be our holy ghost

or fly away in ashes

just when incarnation

seemed so close