Shipwrecked

Striking the Waves

Four faces to the waves
only past you hoped to save
Some small traces were well preserved
Four voices sang to the sea
with the last, their end to flee
with the last tears cried for thee
Floating swept upon the beach
Salted years from sombre cheeks

Dr T.P. Wilkinson writes, teaches History and English, directs theatre and coaches cricket between the cradles of Heine and Saramago. He is also the author of Church Clothes, Land, Mission and the End of Apartheid in South Africa. Read other articles by T.P..