at crane beach june 1973

we find ourselves alone upon this beach
in front of us nothing but moving sea
what is behind seems just beyond our reach

so many voices raised up to beseech
now gone away here we can let things be
we find ourselves alone upon this beach

what words we learnt now others have to teach
the secret message of the mangrove tree
what is behind seems just beyond our reach

to lie upon warm sand whiter than bleach
and soak in rest is what we can agree
we find ourselves alone upon this beach

no hidden purpose no reason to preach
just time to breathe and a whole world to flee
what is behind seems just beyond our reach

there are no boundaries to the wind's speech
the jargon of the waves bids us be free
we find ourselves alone upon this beach
what is behind seems just beyond our reach

simple messages

 truth cuts like a dull knife and we are found

out of our proper spaces and not sure

of how to get safe back or what the cure

of this ill time will be the harsh compound

of present agony and glory drowned

with all our magic proved sick and impure

not much of what we are can still endure

but for the present we are all unbound

not what you are but how you may perplex

those who would harm your hopes and lay you low

is all the matter this is the true sign

that must the mean and hostile ever vex

leaving behind a steady even glow

as we pass on along the ancient line