Northia

In the colder months,
she tempts and taunts:
"Come and brave the icy shallows,
tough guy. No rubber suit, please,
I want you near
as naked." Grey depths
under cloud cover, foaming
at the mouth from Yar
to Denmark.

Her persistent, drawn-out "shush"
translates into marine commentary –
"You breaststroke like a baby.
Why do you wear swimming shoes,
do you think my edible crabs
will bite you?"
 
In the warmer months
she dares to show a softer,
kinder side, but even then remains
capricious with hints
of riptide treachery.
As I leave her wet embrace,
she'll conjure a wave from nowhere
and smack my departing arse to say:
"Remember who's boss."

- Allen Ashley