by Maria C McCarthy

1.

Begin at Barksore Marshes,

on the path above the island that lies

on its side like a sleeping comma.

Do not fear the bargemen’s dogs that linger,

their ghostly howls across the winding rivulets 

that find their course at low tide.

You must follow the dotted line, 

for a misplaced foot might never uncover

from the tempting deception of sodden grasses.

2. 

Walk towards the coastline.

Your destination is in sight.

You may stop and gaze over

Funton Reach and Funton Creek. 

Do not attempt to walk on water.

3.

Turn right, follow the edgeland.

Keep Bedlam’s Bottom to your left.

4. 

Your path will not be straight;

Few paths worth pursuing

Follow the line of a ruler.

Open your ears to the gulls, 

smell the salty mud.

Stop and watch a while.

There might just be tight, 

green promises

of later fruitfulness 

in the hedgerows,

or if the season favours, 

purple stains will bruise 

your lips and fingers.

5.

There is a dog-leg turn at the foot of the peninsula. 

Do not go to Funton Brickworks,

rather take the route that edges the river.

A mammoth’s tooth will rise

by Mean High Water, 

and islands like the bones of the inner ear.

6.

There are orchards inland.

Once the berries are over – 

and past Michaelmas, they belong to the devil – 

stop and smell the apples.

Hold one in your hand.

Twist and release 

and sink your teeth. 

Walk on.

7.

Now buildings flank you inland.

The land reaches fingers into the estuary,

a sixth the witch’s mark.

Watch your footing if you choose 

to follow where they point.

Return to join the dots, onto Raspberry Hill Lane,

away from the lapping and the sucking 

of the mudflats, the turning of the stones, 

the seashells, the rough stuff.

8.

Meet me where the paths cross.

Meet me at Raspberry Hill.