Poetry

The Cliff

She stood, half expectantly, gazing off over the water into the distant night.

The moon was shining hazily on the rippling waves below.

The sound of far-away ships filled the darkness around her and floated gently in the breeze as it caressed her aching limbs and warmed her very soul.

She clutched her torso, as if to rock herself to sleep, but her need went deeper than a hug, and she felt bereft.

A gull’s cry rang in her ears like a siren signaling an air raid.

Her pulse accelerated and her breathing became shaky and uncontrolled.

She clenched her fists, ready for attack, but she found herself alone 
– at the water’s edge.