WHEN THE TIDE SUBSIDED

He lay there basking

Content and nicely proud

Wandering back in time

A dreamer dreaming

Alone on a beach

Waiting for the tide to come

The tracks of his feet behind

And before him

The quiet sea seemed not

To move

But it stole steadily stroking

The sand

Lapping about his feet

Surprising him from sleep

To a waking moment

Waiting for us to come.

“It would want to be soon”

He said and sounded

Strong

Like calm clear water

Swelling

Surging

Suddenly sweeping him

Away

In the silence of the night.

And when the tide subsided

There was nothing left of him

But his remains

Arched backwards

Like Jesus shocked

Upon the Cross

“Into your hands O Lord

I commend my spirit”

For the last time.