We went to see seal rock
the hammering forties
slashing against a grey coastline

The surf
bursting apart
flecking the shore in foam
for meters up the beach
hanging in the battered branches of the tee tree
lying contrast on the dark rock
swilling in the thrashing waters


A dirtied salt laden snow speckled landscape

We stood into the wind
leaning against nature

You pointed out the spot
where they had found that sailor
a battered bloated half submerged vessel
lolling in the surf
the foam
wreathing him

His eyes
given to the sea

They say his wife
tore clumps of hair
and wailed like the wind over the dunes

The rising dipping howl

From Russia it surged through the waves
and pushed our jumpers tight against
our torso's
jeans flapping behind our legs
eyes watering from its anguish