I believe in salt water as a saviour in difficult times. In fact, at all times, sweat, tears and the sea offer comfort and relief.

Seaside

Laced up my running shoes, left phone on desk,

Determinedly took those extra kilos for a disciplinary jog,

Thirty minutes later I find myself walking, wet-shoed,

Calves flicked with damp sand. Watching waves pull at gravel,

Rocks gleam reflected light, seashells swoosh in seaweed,

Slanted sunlight on water, The Bridge rises from mist,

Carrying a twisted stick of driftwood, a dog’s lost rope-toy

And a reminder of what a difference salt water makes.

Nyborg 2017

A short poem about the pleasure of returning home after a long period where most hours and all thoughts were spent on and in a hospital room. With thanks for the positive energy that helped us get this far.

Home

Escape into wind after weeks of sanitized air,

Natural quiet with no bleeping infusion pumps,

Beeping nurse calls, monitors, meters,

Tick, tick of small flashing lights,

Drip, drip, drip of intravenous therapy.

Home at last, garden is gorgeous,

Damp growing grass under bare toes,

Morning-scented air on sun-warmed face.

Feel summer blooming

After watching it bud from behind glass and shutters.

Home with the worst now behind us.

Home at last to unpack bags filled with chemical smelling laundry

Packs of pills, sponges, syringes,

And a growing sense of hope.

Nyborg 2017