Spare a Thought – Judy Dally

Do not pity the sailor
lifted to new heights by the waves
dazzled by shining walls of water
cooled by salt spray
using the sea for support
the wind for speed
the tide for direction
and at the end of the day
lulled to sleep and sea-dreams
by the gentle rocking
of the sea’s cradle.

Spare a thought for the sea
roughed up by the wind
pushed and pulled by the tide
cut by the prows of boats
bruised by clouds
needled by sleet
smashed against rocks
and at the end of the day
burned by the sunset
sliced by a crescent moon
then drowned by the night sky.