Enchanted by the colours of the sea,
I wondered how it showed such vivid shades,
deep blues and greens when sky had gentler tones.
Raised on North Sea holidays, this coast
of southern Spain revealed to me a world
of warmth I never previously knew.

Lulled by sea-sounds swishing up, then washing
backwards down the shore, I failed to read
the story of its rhythms: they told, to those
with ears attuned, of cries for help from drowning
refugees. A three-year old called Aylan
shared the fate of many: his loss was flashed
around the world, with family photographs.
In fortress Europe consciences were stirred
just for a while, then settled down again.

Hilary Cave worked as NUM national education officer at the time of the 1984-5 miners’ strike, later becoming an adult community education worker in the former North Nottinghamshire coalfield.
Poetry submissions to thursdaypoems@gmail.com.