At the shore stands a man, pensive, alone,
Hearing the soft swell of the sea surge
Shift the shingle in gentle motion.
His mind is troubled, in turmoil,
Seeking awareness of thoughts unthought
And deeds undone, and strong emotion.
Yet ever unbidden to his mind
Come memories of a friend
Whose closeness through the ether
(Though far distant in time and space)
Warms his heart and sends solace
To his drifting and tormented soul.
John Dawson
Cambridge, 1993