Outside the Atlantic rolls gently among the pebbles on the beach

Inside an unsettling tide of turmoil clamours for calming oils

 

In the street, in the warm night air, all seems at ease

Leaning on the bar, Sophie lifts her eyes to scan the horizon

 

Tied up to the quayside, boats bob easily, tethered securely in place

On the dance floor, anchored together, mermaids find safe harbour

 

Pennants atop masts flutter, feigning a fight for freedom in the air

If only it were that easy; to cast off the chains that bind

 

Beyond the doors, for once unseeing, blinkered ignorance passes by

Under the flashing lights, debutants seek to be seen, but not revealed 

 

Here are brilliant vessels, setting sail on maiden voyages

Ship-shape and Bristol fashion, they take to the waters

 

Bedecked in finery, they walk the gangplank; proud but nervous

Exposed in all their glory, asking for nothing more than acceptance

 

How brave are these sailors of the turbulent waves; how strong?

Voyaging forth across a sea with no lighthouse to guide them home

 

Here Sophie swaps the tempest of home, the office and the shop

For the soft breeze of a smile and the fair wind of an exchanged word

 

The moon catches Sophie’s eye as it kisses the sea with silver beams,

She smiles, and quietly asks the moon if she can live like this forever