Sunday 16 October 2011

Saints Bay


I live a few hundred meters from a beautiful secluded bay called Saints Bay. The steep descent to the bay and the lack of parking mean that whilst it is one of the best beaches in Guernsey it is never too crowded. Unfortunately it also means that on most days I am unable to get down on to the beach too, but I hold the memories of the bay in my mind. I thought I would share these memories with you;

Saint’s Bay

The stone tower overlooks the bay,
round, grey and austere
it’s slotted windows ever watchful.

Down below two granite slipways
slide from land to sea,
red carpets of welcome.

Grey stones give way to golden sand
exposed by the retreating tide,
silver pools glinting here and there.

Around the bay tall cliffs
stand like sentinels,
clothed in vibrant green.

Waves rush ashore and withdraw,
their white petticoats
flowing over the sand.

Beyond the breakers
pink and orange buoys bob happily
waiting for boats to return.

Lying on the stones, eyes closed,
I listen to birdsong, wave rushed pebbles
and the chatter of children.

The heady scent of honeysuckle
and the fresh sea air
assail my senses.

The pebbles I lie on are hard,
but their smooth surfaces have been warmed
By the sun’s loving gaze.

Here in the bay of the saints,
eyes closed in glorious worship,
I am at home – Heaven.

John Carré Buchanan
12 July 2010

39 comments:

  1. Beautiful picture of this serene and beautiful place. Glad to be a new follower. I just joined OSBW and saw you there.

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  2. Linda,It truly is a serene and beautiful place. When I am able I love to sit on the pebbles at the top of the beach looking at the fantastic view. Thanks for stopping by. By the way what is OSBW?

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  3. John, how I yearn for a place like that in my life! Sometimes I wonder if I don't have a piece of heaven here because I don't take enough time to explore the world around me. Thank you for sharing your beautiful writing! It encourages me to slow down and observe my surroundings more profoundly. What is it that I truly love about Peru? I often find it so hard to explain this to others, but I know that part of it has to do with the nature around me here in the Andes. Thanks for having me reflect on this, friend!

    I'm so glad you reached out and I really look forward to staying in touch! =)

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  4. The beach is the best place to reflect on life & memories...best enjoyed when you are left alone with the ocean, the breeze and nature & then you really feel you belong somewhere & feel at home...I like your poem...full of meaning & nostalgia take care John

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  5. Samantha and Gaia, Thank you for your comments and complements they are much appreciated. It is easy to miss what you have; that is why I carry the Pebble http://johncbuchanan.blogspot.com/2011/05/pebble.html . When I am in pain and my mood is not as good as it shoudld be using the pebble reminds me that there is great stuff out there to see if I just lift my head up and look. Beaches are a double edge sword for me because before the accident I used to love watersports but now that particular thrill is closed to me. That said I love sitting on the pebbles and watching the sea.

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  6. Enjoyed reading it and i could picture it as well. Loved the way you said about warmth from sun's loving gaze..beautiful.

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  7. swapnap, Many thanks for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the poem. and really appreciate your comment.

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  8. I’m glad you like Attitude and Change. Your blog is beautiful, thanks for the link. B

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  9. B, Thank you for your kind comment and being my first contact with the Isle of my Birth.

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  10. Guernsey is blessed with a coastline that ranges from golden beaches to rugged cliffs and old fashioned granite buildings in the town, it is truly beautiful. Have a look at the video on the Guernsey Tab for a better view.

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  11. Well, my goodness--color and sound and touch and every sense full of soothing elation--this is heaven indeed. Thank you for this poem, which is timeless! (And if you wish, come back and post a new poem written for PU.)

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  12. Ideally beautiful, that is your poem of course. Luv the end lines

    Happy All Saints day John

    much love...

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  13. Saints Bay, that is aptly named for a heavenly experience, as you say. I love these lines:

    Here in the bay of the saints,
    eyes closed in glorious worship,
    I am at home – Heaven.

    Very telling of how Saints are and how saintly and blissful this water is for you. Happy All Saints!

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    1. Hi J.T, Thanks for your kind comment, I'm glad that you liked the poem.

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  14. This really does sound like a heavenly place!

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  15. Peaceful and calming, the traits of a saint and nature is filled with them:)

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    1. I agree Vandana, thank you for your comment.

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  16. Delightful, John. The place is aptly named. Glad you sing it's praises

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  17. Thank you for taking us to your special place, John. I could fairly feel the warm stones, and hear the peaceful sounds. What a beautiful spot!

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    1. My pleasure Indybev, thank you for your comment.

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  18. What a beautifully peaceful scene, John. It definitely seems like a 'heavenly' place. Nature's gift!

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    1. Hi Mary, it is a lovely place. Thank you for your kind comment.

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  19. Lucky to live in such a lovely place by the sea.

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    1. Hi Rallentanda, yes I am, thanks for your comment.

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  20. This sounds so lovely....and to have the scent of honeysuckle as well is pure heaven!

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    1. Hi Sherry, it is beautiful, thanks for your comment.

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  21. Such a beautiful place and your poem describes it wonderfully!

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    1. Hi Carrie, it is beautiful a real treat, especially when you can get a cream tea from the kiosk and just sit and bask in its glory. Thanks for your kind comment.

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  22. John,
    A beautiful introduction to life at Saints Bay. It seems like the perfect location for a poet/writer to experience. I think it has to be added to my must-visit list:)

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    1. Hi Eileen, it is well worth the visit. Thanks for your comment.

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  23. Magical place, brought to life for me in your verse, John.
    Heavenly peace and wonderful to hear how much you apreciate it...

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    1. Hi Nicholas, It is a lovely place. Thank you for your kind comment.

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