Uphill, January 29th 2026

By marandina
- 832 reads
Uphill, January 29th 2026
St Nicholas church has
stood here for centuries
staring out over the sea,
standing high on a hill,
liminal limestone walls.
Brackish waters in winter
look bleak in freezing rain,
gulls patrol slate-grey skies
in search of elusive prey,
their cries pierce my soul.
Passing thoughts turn to life,
ubiquitous yet ephemeral
when measured over time,
past struggles like driftwood,
now obsolete and forgotten.
Last year frayed, fell to Earth,
falling like the dying embers
of a Catherine Wheel on the
banks of the River Thames,
Auld Lang Syne fading away.
But in this place I move on,
anchored by the inevitability
of gravid circulatory tides
wiping away our footprints
in the stone-washed sand.
If I wait for long enough to
see the sun set in the west,
subsiding over Penarth bay,
a January day will fall into
the waiting arms of the night.
And I can go home once more.
*Pic is my own
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Comments
A pensive description of the
A pensive description of the view which I thought was awe inspiring.
Very much enjoyed reading Paul.
Jenny.
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I think this is one of your
I think this is one of your best marandina - and what an amazing photo. Well done!
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Beautiful combination of
Beautiful combination of observation and reflection, Paul. As insert says, one of your best.
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The movements of tide and sun
The movements of tide and sun, and the circles of our life. A lovely spot for quiet. Beautirul photo!
When I was growing up in Barry, the paddle-steamers went back and forth trips across from Penarth. And of course, it was said, that 'If you could see the other side, it was going to rain, if not, it was raining'. But you could usually see Flat Holm and Steep Holm anyway! Rhiannon
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Congratulations! This is Poem
Congratulations! This is Poem of the Week!
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grounded in a world we can
grounded in a world we can see and feel. Well done.
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This is absolutely beautiful.
This is absolutely beautiful. It felt like a gift to read.
Thank you.
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You observe and write like a
You observe and write like a naturalist. This reminds me of Peter Matthiessen's work.
V/R
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I looked up naturist:
I looked up naturist: nonsexual social nudity. Nah, bruh, not what I meant. No wonder you did a double take.
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I keep mine on too. Honest.
I keep mine on too. Honest. Can't figure how to include a smiley face so do me a solid and imagine it. Hope your day is blessed.
V/R
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This beautiful poem deserves
This beautiful poem deserves a moment in the social media spotlight so it's our Pick of the Day!
Please share if you like it too
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