A ballet in the harbour, backdrop seashell sails,
as nighttime lights impale upon the water’s swash.
The ferries waltz around each other’s broken wash
with red and orange lights that signal secret trails.

Imaginary magic creatures dance in swales
while hiding out from goblins who will swish and squash
them underfoot in mud, and wear a bell-shaped cloche
with red and orange lights that signal secret trails.

Across their paths the ferries pace in misty veils
avoiding every shock as waters round them slosh,
a picture from a painting in a scene by Bosch
with red and orange lights that signal secret trails.

A ballet in the harbour, backdrop seashell sails,
with red and orange lights that signal secret trails.


                                 5 July 2024