I wander down the steep wooded path

Aroma of mint hanging sweetly in the air

As squirrels scurry and bird melodically sing.

Then the magnificent pier greets my eyes

Resting on the sedate Bristol Channel

Which shines with a million stars.

A tall ship, sails lowered, slowly drifts by

Under the most fabulous springtime sky

Rubbed with white by the Almighty's hand

On an enormous canvas of Aegean blue.

Steep Holm and Flat Holm bask in the sun

Just a couple and their dog roam the beach

the low-tide releasing sand shining like a mirror

And a retired man on the seafront

Observes a tall ship passing Penarth Pier

On a beautiful May morning so clear

And I love the solitude at this hour

Strolling on wooden planks over the sea

To the edge of the famous pier.

The sea snores softly and the waves

Are a pale imitation of the crashing brutes

That assaulted the front not so long ago.

The tall ship enhances the stunning scene

As if I am in a wonderful dream.

Guy Fletcher

Pantmawr

Cardiff