A memory of childhood

sets with the sun on a desolate beach

as whispers of tall grass watch over

forgotten sands

where once heavy footsteps danced

around fires and final beats of

misheard laughter, song lyrics, and confused

buckets are tapped down and moulded

into shape of turrets and invisible guards

keeping the sea and swooping bitter seagull alike

at bay.

The sands now brushed clean

by March gales, April showers

and October winds.

We were never there, just a blink

in the eye of time,

but the grain persists

the castle in ruins,

but those soldiers,

concealed guns ready

they remain…patient

as the sea slowly

washes over them.

Ian D. Hall 2022

Inspired by the photograph ‘Sandcastle’ by T. Higginson.