THERE’S just an elderly man in Finnegans

Staring wistfully at his pint

And the wheel is still this Tuesday

Without a single cloud in the sky

Only ghosts in the Pleasure Park now

As a wintry wind cuts into my brow.

I view a Father Christmas and gorilla

As the pirates flag flutters in the breeze

There are a plethora of dogs enjoying

The wet sand for the tide retreats

And today it’s a scintillating view

Of Whitmore Bay with the sea gold and blue.

There are tide-marks on Friars Point

And the rainbow beach houses look splendid

Women push prams, couples stroll

But it’s too cold for the pensioners.

I sit outside Marco’s Cafe with tea

To warm frozen hands and stare at the sea.

Guy Fletcher

Pantmawr

Cardiff