They will be here soon

They will be here soon

They will be here soon,

The noisy hordes descending from the coaches.

Striding, sauntering or struggling they move through the haunting heights of the priory ruins, 

Surprised at the sight of the upturned boats, they move on in a random formation to the imposing castle…. 

then beyond.

Rounding the corner they will be here very soon. 

….But just for now 

I indulge in the solitude,

Breath deeply,

Tune into the chorus of the birds as they swoop, drop, chant and chatter. 

I catch the counter melody of the rhythmic whooshing of the rolling tide

First Slapping hard against the shore,

Then, as if reconsidering, retreating to the dark underbelly of the mass of water. 

repeat.  

My mind, meanders, considering those gone before. 

Those lost upon the rocks in wrecks of old,

Those, who through harsh winters, struggled to survive. 

Those for whom it is a place of pilgrimage and 

Those like me, 

the privileged, 

who humbly tarry to absorb and replenish depleted resources in body, mind and soul.