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Chain Ferry


Old ladies dance on a deck
of a rattling chain ferry
as it hauls it's way south
across the harbour mouth.
the chain as taunt as a drawn bowstring
as it holds the shaking vessel
against the equinox tide
emptying the basin.
Pale grey willow trees
flashing in sunlight
and a dusty limestone ridge
are the destination.
Shaking shadows
pivot over a corroded decks
and the ochre whispers of summer sand.
A white butterfly
lost over the waves
turns black in burning sea sparkle.
What do the ladies dance to
as the beating boat
hammers their feet?
"Gee, but I'd like to know you better
Just a-swingin' your books and chewin' gum
Lookin' just like a juicy plum"

The flat lips of the ferry
rasp over a concrete slipway
and the last summer visitors
drive towards a low sun.