With My Back to the Sea

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Your embrace was warm and your eyes parted the spray;

As I stood with my back to the sea on a cliff o'er looking the swells

They broke on the ledge, green, relentless and wide;

You had a view to infinity and I a path to your soul;

The love you expressed with sincerity; brought peace and calm to the shores.

The sentinel mansions stood facing a biting cold bay

Sandwiched and loomed echoing power of nature and Man

With whispered words you shamed their misplaced desire

Mock monuments the gilt mausoleums were mute

As your voice became a balm to a lifetime's concern

The Ocean pressed hard on the precipice

Wind driven waves immersed and exposed steadfast rocks

Dark waters ventured forth from a grey horizon

Sending sharp salt spray upon a biting breeze

Whilst your lips deliver a salve for my yearning

We trod a path balanced between the sea and iron gates

Proudly passing patrons of the surf, you lead to a place

With my back to the rail, my hands upon your cheeks

I looked into the blue, clasping each other for warmth

With my back to the sea, at the edge of the bulkhead we stood

Poised for a moment, love was shared in every dimension.

With My Back to the Sea - The Courage of Intimacy by Keith Ainsworth                                                                                                                                               20