356 - I tried swimming against the tide but failed

I tried swimming against the tide but failed,
Finding that I was swimming on the spot;
I tired swimming against the tide, and sailed
With ease through these blue seas as sun shone hot.
People, people, everywhere, drink a lot,
Filling the seaside cafes, nursing beer;
At the foot of the lighthouse they all squat
Like thirsty ants around a matchstick tower.
From Southwold’s busy shops, under the pier,
I swam against the tide, and my arms flailed
And tasted bitter salt, not from the pot,
But from the top of the sea’s giant tear.
The pier by dead carpenters’ hands was nailed,
And waves of time combine to make wood rot.
Sun 26 Aug 2007