Canute in the 21st Century
I overheard the landlord
of The Fishermen
tell the meteorologist
the expected tidal surge
would not be big
as the wind
was in the wrong direction.
The scientist sighed,
“The wind will change
a day too late,” he said
but added another surge was due
in early May.
The landlord scoffed.
“The winds in May are never strong!”
he blustered.
We’ve never been flooded
since I’ve been landlord.
We’ll not be flooded now!”
Early next morning I watched,
warm December breeze at my back,
as the gentle waves lapped
against the top step
of the beach stairs,
posting polite notice
of their unstoppable intent.