July 2037

Mum taught me to read the signs. When the black-headed gull’s black cap started to turn white means winter won’t be long. When the gulls flock in land to pull worms, that’s bad weather coming in off the sea.

24th July 2027

There are no signs that say DON’T GO ON THE BEACH, but the slipways are overgrown with silky moss and the steps are all cracked.

Children circling sticks in the sand,

“Are you coming down to the water with Granny?”

The swell of a baby in a sling soothed by the

Pattertat of mammy’s hand

Mam, it’s massive

have a walk down to it