October

By Andrew J. Shields

Nothing on the tidal flats but gulls
and oystercatchers, until pipers and plovers
swoop to land at water’s edge.

Nothing on the dyke but you
and the grazing sheep, until two kids
ride by on rusty bicycles.

Nothing in the sky but sun
and blue, until clouds and rain
come with the rising tide.

Nothing in your hands but
your umbrella, pulled
by the rising wind.

         
Andrew Shields lives in Basel, Switzerland. His collection of poems, Thomas Hardy Listens to Louis Armstrong, was published by Eyewear in June 2015.