Grimbeau

The Rev Nice-Grub paused life struck

shopping list of savoury dainties before her

incomplete: savoury quails eggs, spiced cheeses…

Holy music meandered ox-bowed

midlife muddy water curved solidly,

strong, steady laps undercut the bank  

vile, grass clod bays and inlets for voles

cans and ducks. Captives get marooned

on a cut off clump, excised by wake and wind,

and wave forlornly: we wave back, hollow eyed.

Our off white hull stirs large laps as it hums past,

scary aftermath loosens more sods that collapse

under the webfoot gait of ducks and swans

and wellyboots of anglers and toddlers

leaving small gashed inlets for thin quick snakes.

…crudites, nice dips, potato chips, nuts.