The path to Worm's Head

Salt-tinged, the sand stings their

faces as they brave the beach leaning

into the ferocious wind 

with every stumbling step. 

Few birds are trusting their luck as

murderous blasts drive them out to

sea with each desperate flight and

even the hardy onshore 

fishermen have gone home 

to their gale and wave-dashed cottages.

Only tourists risk the angry sea on

such a day, trudging on 

despite the unseasonal storm 

as they have just one afternoon left

before they must leave Rhossili beach

and its path to the magical 

Worm's Head rising serpentine

above the waves until the tide

rebounds. They know that their quest

is fruitless but to see the way 

will be enough above the grey mist

of the thrashing swell until 

they return once more 

to this eerie edge of Wales.