Shades.

Along with the bright spring sunshine

Are the cold deep shadows cast

by headlands and obstructions

To the long low light.


Not shade for the reef birds

inspecting the shore break but

a place to avoid or endure.


Not the cool refuge from summer heat

But the dwelling place for

the opposite of the expanding joy

Of the new sun after a long winter


The long season captures the shadows

With its sharp fingers

And hoards the gloom


Only relaxing its grip when the night comes

To rob the day of light

Like the tide seeping up the estuary

Mixing waters, salt with fresh to brack.


A barnacled cliff rock drips tears of delight

Into a sky pool clouded by dusk

and bright ripples enchant

as the sky darkens.