Friday, October 28, 2011

Delights beside Tidal Waters



Besides water’s edge I can find space and freedom, time to dream; open horizons where sky meets sea, or closed vision of salty mud and putrid muck in forlorn saltings, no longer worked. Sky and water subtly morph as tides ebb and flow. Sunlight reveals nature’s hues. Clouds intervene, casting enigmatic shadows with dramatic effect - changing moods from elation to sombre tone. Water reflects and refracts; it ripples, tumbles, foams and roars; angry then acquiesces, sublimely calm. Oily, nauseating undulations slowly move, and I want to puke.


Waters ebb, hidden secrets manifest, reveals acres of oozing mud or golden sand; elsewhere rounded pebbles stretch to cresting waves where they are drowned in ocean’s depths. In salt-laden weed are hidden lurking crabs. Nearby are cockles, mussels and winkles galore. In crystal pools there are crustaceans, sparkling fry; starfish, urchins, sea slugs and the like - all citizens inhabiting galaxies within their aqueous universe. At quiet backwaters Egrets strut, and lone Heron stalk. By river’s bank Peewit call, and screeching Tern wheel and dive; Gulls squawk while Redshank and Sandpiper forage too.


These are my delights by tidal waters.



Text for the Day

Psalm 85:10, 11 ‘Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven.’

5 comments:

Paul Mullings said...

Where is this photo taken from?

William Serjeant said...

Hi Paul,

The photo was taken from the south bank of the River Crouch from a point west of South Fambridge, looking west.

Bill.

Paul Mullings said...

Thanks Bill, I hadn't realized that there was such a good concrete pathway along the sea wall that side of the river. How far does it extend east west?
Paul

William Serjeant said...

Paul,

It extends for about one nautical mile from South Fambridge westwards to a point of land south of the creek that leads northwards to North Fambridge Marina. The path was made when the sea defences were made higher to offset rising tide levels.

Bill.

tee said...

I didn't see your email on here.. Could you send me an email. I have an interesting boat to show you and i think you are one of the few people that might know what it is. It looks like what you are calling a
Trimarans .

Askdolce@gmail.com

Thanks, Dolce