Knab Rock, summer 1996

In memoriam Evan Evans (1984-2013)

1

I walk down to the sea path –

rust on horse chestnut leaves

unprepared, this still day, to fall.

2

Fishing boats file across the bay –

astern, black flags

clear in the low afternoon light.

3

Crow, hands in pockets,

scorns to hurry away –

from the gorse that’s lost its yellow,

a stonechat’s critch.

4

At the summit I turn east –

a steamcloud shaken from the steelworks

unwhitens in the windless air.

5

By the blue railings at Knab Rock

I stand where you stood –

on the edge of the family photo.

6

Blonde fringe, eyes declined,

too-long T-shirt, bare knee bent –

your white socks bright in the high sun.