THE WALL BELOW THE ROAD: my new poem about Mousehole...

 The Wall Below The Road…

(A poem about Mousehole in Cornwall…)

In essence it is a long and stern wall,

Sombre, like the pitted stone of an old grave.

But it breaks water and deflects a high tide

Protectively, sending white surf vertically along its sprawl…

In effect, it holds me in its thrall,

For oystercatchers forage each likely enclave,

Where they shuffle about and appear to hide,

Yet are usually located by their piercing call…

In truth it is a haven, even during a winter squall 

For a curlew perhaps. Or somewhere a seal might misbehave,

Rolling about among breaking shallows but spied, 

Whilst gulls for gleanings the threatening ocean trawl…

Yet despite the cacophony of noise,

The constant tidal agitation

And relentless, thrashing advance 

Of the wintering ocean to lay siege

To Mousehole’s dour and ageless sea defence,

It retains a proud, if uneasy poise,

Often littered by weed and spray’s altercation.

Its bulk though stubbornly holds its stance

Behind boulders scattered across a hazardous beach.

Yet upon that granite wall lies a personal peace, intense… 

Pete Ray

14th December 2022

The wall below Cliff Road and The Parade at Mousehole is rather dull to look at but fascinating to stroll along at low tide, for wading birds can be spotted, as well as seals.

A place to stand, look and think…

At high tide, especially during a gale or in winter, one is likely to be the recipient of an unwanted seawater shower…