At St Govan's Head

Image © Chris Downer; source Geograph               

AT ST. GOVAN'S HEAD

              Perched between cliffs
              approached by seventy-four steps
              (or count them different if you will)
              St Govan's chapel rests.

              The roar of waves muffles
              the sound of gunshot.
              A red flag flys above:
              the coastal path is closed.

              Enough to wake the dead ?
              - test the patience of a saint ?
              We know almost nothing
              of the hermit who here sought peace.

              Perhaps his spirit takes revenge.
              A fat gull sentries the car-park,
              squawks defiantly on the sign-post,
              feed without comfort on crumbs.

              © GERALD ENGLAND

Composed: Walwyn's Castle, 1st June 1989

Publication

1990 2nd Rapture (UK)