Sculpted against the sky

It’s not expected

on the South West Coast Path:

a field, then two, then three

of striking shapes

sculpted against the sky.

Creatures of the Earth

shaped and formed

by another simple creature.

Cast carefully and carelessly

against the grass, the trees,

the sea and sky,

they stand, sit, perch or fly -

it seems at will -

staying still, and strong,

yet always moving.

Moulded to the mind

of their creator, mapping

moments mined

from deepest seams

of memory, these creations

challenge and perplex,

excite and energise,

soothe and comfort.

Bronzed, hewn, carved,

however shaped,

they ask and answer

questions way more complex

than we thought of

as we set further foot

along the South West Coast Path.