I see the hills that rise and fall in shadow;
I hear the endless play of sea and sand;
I feel the constant changing of the seasons;
The icy touch of winter on the land.
I see the storm that clouds the far horizon;
I feel the wind grow cold and gather pace;
I hear the thunder rolling in the distance,
And understand the dangers we must face.
I know the storm will pass to leave us wiser,
And if we light a fire against the cold
The darkness will give way to warmth and sunlight,
And leave the far horizon lit with gold.
I know a heart is beating strong within me,
And beating stronger still because of you.
Written 1993 September to October. This was started on a visit to a nearby stone-age hill fort, from which I saw a spectacular thunderstorm over the next range of hills. It's a sonnet. (2001-06-27)