Holding the baby, mother stood inside,
Whilst father and the older boys worked hard
Around them, piling up the sand. The tide
Crept nearer, threatening the wall that barred
Its way. And still they worked, as though the sea
Could be deflected from its natural course
By the sheer effort of their industry.
Mother and baby waited 'til the force
Of water broke the sandy barricade
And floated in. In search of other fun
The boys ran off. But father, undismayed,
Fought for his castle 'til the sea had won.
"It's time to go now," mother said and smiled
With tenderness at her eternal child.
