an arc of coastal waterfalls...

an arc of coastal waterfalls

shimmering white threads of water

slip over algae-riddled rock

just a brief fall to a churning bed of foam

and bulbous rocky interface

invaded by the multiple antics of

coastal interference

no surfing

no boating here

just a reminder

of the power and changing moods of Nature

fascinating, dangerous beauty maybe

however, for me

it was also

a fleeting reminder of what could have been

another kind of coastal interference

some years ago

on this far far south land

so far from northern tensions

that our involvement must be impossible

nevertheless

someone thought it important to instal

barbed wire

along the cliff top

overlooking a smoother beach 

not so very far away

only recently I noted

the barbed wire was still there 

 

There is little visible, obvious escape from the intimidator...

Old cannon outside Hastings Historical Society, Victoria...

There is little visible, obvious escape from

the intimidator

the bully with

the loud voice and

aggressive actions

the entitled one

who expects obeyance

in short

the one who represents

the uncivilised shame of humanity

in the guise of intelligence

and obvious superiority

in short

the one skilled

in lies

betrayals and 

promises

personal wins

personal glory

and a personal avalanche of money

are all that matters

to this one

when this one's demands can't or won't be met

war

to be or not to be 

is not the only question

as for you

the receiver of someone's else's strength

without even asking for it

you ride the new currents

the new surfs

the rips

possibly alone

waiting

somewhat preparedly

for the next surprise

and so you face a personal question

which involves

your own

personal peace

how to keep your peace alive

within

your peace that is you