Sat 21 Feb: Great Yarmouth to Lowestoft

Early afternoon at Ness Point, Lowestoft.

Two details from the Euroscope. On the left is the central marker; on the right, a nice reminder of what still lies ahead.

Less than a year into my life, we moved
Athwart the world; from that fragrant harbour,
Famed Pearl of the Orient, out we flew
For a Western start in Australia.
After a childhood opened down under,
I grew adult outside that rich island
As I sailed West to see older wonders,
And sought the stars from Oz to Albion.
And now, I turn once more from East to West;
The way that I have wandered since my birth.
Ahead, a route of concluding roads wends
Ever nearer to a long-promised rest:
I walk against the spinning of the Earth,
Drawn towards sunset and my journey’s end.

A bonus photograph. Just across the River Yare from Great Yarmouth is Gorleston Beach, a most pleasant place to spend a sunny Saturday morning.

The entire collection of poems from this project was published by Eyewear in 2016. Only a sample of the 78 poems remain accessible on this website.

Mon 16 Feb: King’s Lynn to Huntstanton

A flock of oystercatchers at Huntstanton Beach.

“You’re doing this for charity?” asks the
Kindly merchant, who predictably starts
With the one query always asked of me.
Is this how our world now lessens our hearts?
That anything, which carries or invents
A small aspect of surprising venture,
Demands both willpower and wonderment
Amidst unforeseen human endeavour,
Is seen possible only through prepared
Objectives of charitable giving,
Approved rational under some declared
Auspices of goodwill and fundraising?
“No, it’s entirely selfish,” I reply,
“A wish to live, before life passes by.”

The entire collection of poems from this project was published by Eyewear in 2016. Only a sample of the 78 poems remain accessible on this website.