Hiding behind walls and locked gates
the expensive headland houses
cling to the very view that adds to their price
clad in Cornish slate
keeping the consequences of that view safely at bay
so that those who are able to afford
can stay warm and snug inside -
should they ever chose visit.
Walk down past a pole groaning with signs
"Private road! No cars, no parking, no cycling!"
past the many benches
smothered with plaques
reminding us all of our own fragility
the path taking us to the very cliff edge
towering over a beach
made from layers of ancient folded volcanic rock
waiting to take us if we fell!
The shiny new lifeboat station looks on knowingly from across the bay
looking for all the world
like it's face is in shock
waiting to disgorge its lifeboat
a crew ready when called if we do fall!
Amidst the rugged beauty - there is danger!
In the distant
the tide turns
readying itself to charge in once more
like bull to do battle
with the structures we build
walls and houses - the very beach isn't safe
these places we love
these places are vulnerable
like we are
...maybe we could have a plaque on a bench of our own
