By the sea

huge gulps of air - a gale
tearing at us as we
stand at the vessel rail
and watch the heaving sea

a dram in celebration,
hot food, leaving land
behind out of Ullapool
for the open sea

landfall and a drive
across the island:  lines
and lines of peat-cutting
we could not see the sea

to destination:  cottage
overlooking the beach - curve
of white sand, aquamarine
with frills:  the beautiful sea

tired from the journey
content to watch
out of the windows
at the tearing rain, advancing sea

we rested early, dark
and quiet night, curtains
still closed - promise of the day:
a walk on the beach by the sea

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