From Gravesend

N a town so small it barely had a name
The Fates weighed quiet anchor on the shore
While ancient trees stood darkly in our way
The tide went out

Even History is surprised that she should be here
And her footprints look like questions in the sand
She looks at Death and wonders what he'll give her
And the tide goes out

And Duty takes my hand and wears me grey
While clouds make weightless exit over sea
With all the letters never sent, yours never came
And the tide goes out
The tide goes out again

Here, the smell of winter
Isn't one I used to know
And all these trees retain their colour
Though the endless rain
Should wash them through