The brutality of the seas...

They never came home

They stand stoically against the drama as it slowly unfolds.
The brutality of the stormy seas.
The reality of life.
Their men: lost at sea.

Graves of sandstone.
Represent the fickleness of life.
Crumble, against the might of the gods.
Weather-beaten. Decay.

Testament to lives lived.
And lost. The harshness of life.
They shrug off their resentment.
Strengthen their resolve.

They never came home; the men.
Devoured whole. Fought hard.
With courage. Determination.
Strength. To no avail.

The women
They stood tall.
Fought back the tears.
Maintained their dignity.

Paid homage.
Fed their children.
Did the hard graft.
Kept hope alive.

The mine sweepers

They had stayed strong against the jaws of the devil.
Survived the war. Unable to cheat death.
Eight days later killed by a mine.
All dead. Nothing left.
The sea had reclaimed them all.
In time, it would claim the women too.