Death by water

After the aching heat
had worn down the afternoon
and set the stone faces of pavements,
you appeared like Jairus` daughter
pale and reborn in red chiffon.

And I walked with you
through the blue black harbour light
still flickering with seagulll ghosts,
to a white lighthouse shell.

Wrapped in a wraith of wind
which tasted of smoke and the nickel
of deserted fairgrounds

you paused, your eyes as clear
as the distant town lights.
And we listened to
the sound of our breathing
above the sea`s desperate songs.