2nd March 2018 — Thomas
The islands
Always,in these islands,meeting and parting
Shake us,making tremulous the salt rimmed air;
Divided and perplexed the sea is waiting,
Birds and fishes visit us and disappear
The future and the past stand at our doors,
Beggars who for one look of trust will open
Worlds that can answer our unknown desires,
Entering us like rain and sun to ripen
Remindingly beside the quays,the white
Ships lie smoking ; and from their haunted bay
The godwits vanish towards another summer.
Everywhere in light and calm the murmuring
Shadow of departure; distance looks our way;
And none knows where he will lie down at night