Safe Journey

Mists rolled over the mudflats.
Fog billowed off the banks.
In the distance a figure moved
Far off and slowly ambling.
Now seen but then gone
Into the low swirling veils
Later to appear slightly nearer.

A hunched figure slowly
Zigzagging across the flats
Following the gravels bars
And solid paths, safe routes
Through the ooze and mud.

Thick coat and lugging a
Big bag of mussels through
The early morning mists
Past the war memorial
Reminding her of the heroic
Deeds of her dead son.

Martin Delemare
5th August 2006