The shifting land bridge,
links Shark Island to the mainland
in a landscape of soft white sand
and summer-blue skies.

Above volcanic outcrops
of rhyodacite rise, a reminder
of the incredible forces
of fire and ice.

It’s low tide, 
but not low enough,
there are hidden channels
and swells from both sides 
rolling over the thin line of sand.
Everything is governed 
by the forces of change,
the synergy of wind and wave
constantly shaping and reshaping.

And so it is with us,
nothing ever still or fixed.
We must be careful
with our timing,
pay attention to the signs,
warnings of drowning,
the risk of being swept away.

Today we admit defeat,
paddle barefoot,
admire the view. 
We must wait 
for the right time to cross.