a silent house by the sea

rising from spume and sand

crouch grass and rough tussock

up slopes climb

rising from headland bare windswept

cold gnarled stone

lichen caked

rising in tiers of rooted rock

and hope

and communion

a silence not threatening

offering safety

and respite from fear

an answer to despair

a home, if only for now

for this moment in time

the door opens its warmth

enter within, and know