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It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature. - Henry James

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         IN AN ESTUARY

A crackling fire. Light, heat in the felucca.
Pikes in the water. Pearl-white sand below.
The trident now! You'll get one if you're lucky.
Go slow, don't rush. A blow! Another blow!

A nightmare passion. Horror mixed with bliss.
Blood, writhing fish... Before it makes you sicker
You'd better stop. Come, douse the flames. Move quicker.
Push it all overboard!.. Smoke. Steam. A hiss.

The air feels light and cool. The shadows deepen.
Dim stars appear and flicker in the sky.
The boat rocks on the waves. The fish are sleeping.
Stretched on the stern, flat on my back I lie.

The oarlocks knock - how soft the sound and cheery!
A night at sea is never dull or dreary.

1905