Edinburgh

Story
Still dark

The heron, shoulders hunched

Waits

A gull disturbs his concentration

Intent on moving him on.




Ahead of me

The sky brightens

Buoyed by the water

I feel a surge from the incoming tide.




I began swimming in the Forth in August.

New friends, acquaintances, enthusiasm

Warnings, tips, encouragement.




Now shorter, colder days

Sea temperature dropping

Shorter times in the water

Wearing neoprene gloves.




My gloves wave as they dry

Reminding me of the sea’s call

Heron, otters, gulls, waders, seals

Every day magic.

Take us out to play!