First the furtive, foam-flecked waves came
Soft and timid to the beach,
Creeping cautiously to the shoreside,
Slipping swiftly out of reach.
Then the skies dimmed dark with danger
Night-time seas grew big and bold.
Curling swells and moonlit billows
Like a sea snake black and cold.
Watch those whitecaps coiled and ready
Like a serpent seeking prey.
See the sliver tongues that flicker,
Feel the venom in their spray.
Hear them hissing as they gather
Ever closer, ever more.
See their fangs drip white with water
See them strike the cringing shore.