Travelling South

We have travelled far enough today,

Just you and me, from here to there
And sometimes back again
Through the hard light of Spain,
Down to the sea’s quiet edge.

Now, with suitcases neatly placed,

And us safe in the centre of this room,
This ageing voyeur, watches carefully
The precision of your bedtime ritual,
While listening to the evening waves
Struggle tiredly up the beach
After a long day out at sea.

Offering nothing, your tired smile

Slips naked into bed with you,
Whispering me goodnight as the
Wind, beginning to rise, blows
Fresh and cooling from across the Straits
Filling the room with Africa.