The Bristol Channel


Photo by Ottr Dan on Unsplash

For those of you that have been reading my most recent posts, you will be aware that I was inspired by the violent storm that blew during my trip to Falmouth in Cornwall at the end of January. Although it was clearly not the worst storm ever, it was easily the worst one I’ve ever experienced first hand. In contrast to that, I couldn’t believe how tranquil the sea was during my trip to Weston-Super-Mare in North Somerset at the end of February. Once again, I was inspired to write and I came up with two poems/short stories that I shall be sharing this week. Here’s the first one:

I hear you in the distance talking to me; your tranquility speaks volumes. Almost as soon as I sit myself down, the birds serenade me with a symphony fit for a king. The cold breeze and the warm sun hug me in unison as I gaze out across the mud flats of Sand Bay, trying to fathom what you are saying. A sudden epiphany informs me that your message is in your silence.

A silence that transcends the birdsong, the breeze and the warmth of the sun.

A silence that speaks of Love, Love in all its purity, all its glory.

Oh Bristol Channel, I hear your silence loud and clear.

We are at peace…

The Religion Of Love


My heart has opened to every form. It is a pasture for gazelles, a cloister for Christians, a temple for idols, the Ka’ba of the pilgrims, the tablet of the Torah and the book of the Koran. I practice the religion of Love; in whichever directions its caravans advance, the religion of Love will be my religion and my faith.

Ibn El Arabi – 12th century Sufi mystic

The Alchemy Of Love


You come to us
from another world
From beyond the stars
…and void of space.
Transcendent, Pure,
Of unimaginable beauty,
Bringing with you
the essence of loveYou transform all
who are touched by you.
Mundane concerns,
troubles, and sorrows
dissolve in your presence,
Bringing joy
to ruler and ruled
To peasant and king

You bewilder us
with your grace.
All evils
transform into
goodness.

You are the master alchemist.

You light the fire of love
in earth and sky
in heart and soul
of every being.

Through your love
existence and nonexistence merge.
All opposites unite.
All that is profane
becomes sacred again

~Rumi

Dreamland Stage


This place
is a dream.
Only a sleeper
considers it real.
Then death comes
………like dawn,
and you wake up
laughing
at what you thought
was your grief.
~ Rumi