Sand castles is captured on the beach in Kilkee. Kilkee is a small coastal town in County Clare, Ireland. It is in the parish of Kilkee, formerly Kilfearagh. Kilkee is midway between Kilrush and Doonbeg. The town is popular as a seaside resort. The horseshoe bay is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by the Duggerna Reef.
Sand Castles
Cove curve, thin strip to split the screen
but see the detail, not wan splay;
at first glance strand and equal sky,
yet grains and droplets on display.
Cloud bank, flat sand, together damp –
the furniture of aeons drained –
though graded colours, shades imposed,
cumulus beach awash with stain.
With rain, the sea pulled lunar sway,
maria moon, Tranquillity,
whose spell is cast in either way,
leaves clear the swathe, leaves all at bay.
Our footprints then mark as we walk,
companions, diggers in the sand,
into the air castles designed,
brought low again as waves descend.
A wider view permits fresh site,
as wearing shoes worn other soles –
for walking paths where strangers trod
brings understanding to our souls.
So small, short lived, impressions left,
soon wiped away as ripples pass;
but conversation, care expressed
remain, seals of our pilgrimage.
© Stephen Kingsnorth 2020