Oyster Shells

I love to walk along the beach

Where my inner space can widen

Where heaven likes to walk with me

And helps to clear my brain

So, as the sun was dipping down

Towards the mauve horizon

Touching the looming oil containers

On the Isle of Grain

I walked out on the stony path

Flanked each side by swirling sand

As far as straining eyes could see

Surrounding there remained

The deep grey shells of oysters

Left behind by the retreating tide

Clung hopelessly to each other

But their efforts were in vain

I glanced over my shoulder

Just to see how far I’d come

The beach now looking far away

But I was not alone

For this is where Victorians

From the East End used to come

To bathe in healing waters

And then climb back on the train

I found familiar comfort

In the decaying stink of the shells

Left stranded in their helpless fate

Against the orange sun

But times have changed for sure

From when the bathing huts stood near

Though famed for Southend’s oysters

I see no oyster catchers here

Way out along the estuary

As silent as you please

A massive grey container ship

Progressed in small degrees

The presence of such greatness

Almost had me on my knees

Romanced by nature’s symphony

The honking of Brent geese

As the final glint of dazzling sun

Ducked down behind dark clouds

I started to retrace my steps

As blanket dusk bowed down

The million spent on crustacean homes

Became like countless numbers

Each creature hiding in there

Being both helpless prey and hunter

I once collected baby shells

And bleached them til they sparkled

So beautiful, no putrid smell

Each one a sign and wonder

It felt like walking back in time

To what my Godless life once was

The loneliness of younger years

Now happiness in floods

I’m grateful for the estuary

The beauty of the dusk

But more for who befriended me

And how I’m truly loved

As all the tiny lights begin

To glean from distant houses

The beauty of my oyster walk

Seemed both lovely, also odd

Deep down inside, I’m filled with peace

For the sunset, I’m part of

And as I step back on the pebbly beach

I lean into the arms of ….

God

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