The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls

 

The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    The tide rises, the tide falls,
    The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;
    Along the sea-sands damp and brown
    The traveller hastens toward the town,
    And the tide rises, the tide falls.

    Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
    But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;
    The little waves, with their soft, white hands,
    Efface the footprints in the sands,
    And the tide rises, the tide falls.

    The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls
    Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
    The day returns, but nevermore
    Returns the traveller to the shore,
    And the tide rises, the tide falls.

Morecambe Bay is one of my favourite places. It stretches from the south west coast of Cumbria round to Fleetwood. The views, whether from the north, east or south, are spectacular. It's a haven for birds and marine creatures, and an excellent place to spend a few mindful moments observing the constantly changing light and sounds.

The bay is covered and uncovered twice a day by the tide, which is said to come in 'faster than a galloping horse'. The video above was taken from the top of Rossall Point, looking out towards the mysterious Lune Deep - a canyon under the sea, formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Click here for a video to discover more. The secret deep-sea pit is full of unusual creatures and is said to be a unique feature of the English coast.

Writing prompts:

• The tide washes clean as it ebbs and flows. What would you like the tide to wash away for you? Set a timer and write for six minutes.
  
• Write as if you were an unusual creature of the deep.  Describe what you look like and what you do.
• What is your favourite view? Paint a picture of it in your writing and say how you feel as you look at it.
• Use Longfellow's poem above as a trigger to start writing. Perhaps respond with a poem.