Rock Pool

Held in the wrinkle of a giant’s skin

Motionless, blue, a port-hole on the sky

Reflecting the high light, a tiny glass;

Or like a shield of azure polished tin

By unknown warrior cast down carelessly

When, stumbling on these teeth, his soul did pass !

Thus to the distant eye.  But closer in

Look down and see with awful mimicry

The world herein enshrined, the pulsing mass

Unheedful of the far surf ‘s sullen din !

Warm is it here; for a brief while content

The little creatures dart, enjoy their hour.

But by degrees with stealth and unmatch’d power,

Creeps in the tide bringing bewilderment !

 

Weekly Times     30.9.60