A walk along the coast -South Devon a long time ago

A walk along the coast

We walked from Bolt Head to Bolt Tail on a cold November day
It was 1980 and we were talking about going away
I was in two minds as if walking in between landmines
Would either of us pine or be caught miles from thought?
The wind snapped at our heels the rain whipped our cheeks
We looked at each other fleetingly which one of us would speak?
You held my hand and half smiled from beneath your hat
Your coat of wool grey like the day and your conservative dress
I felt I loved you then despite the c word
But we were in a mess
I was heading for Germany to work in the bitter cold
You were going to be a rich man’s PA
Following in your mother’s footsteps and often being told
Where your future must lie
You really did vote for Thatcher
I was in two minds I fell off the tightrope
And realised that I was hypnotised
By the sea and cliffs and life untroubled
By the reality of those without any fortune
My principles and my love were incompatible
With your pursuit of money without emotion
We were tired from the walk
You went home
I went to my room above the pub
and packed.
©SJ2009