Carefree

by Virginia Lowe

They found a cave one summer

on the beach front

A yew tree flourished above

held by roots

clutching the walls

Underneath was dark and cool

Secluded and safe

no one knew they were there

They stored drinks

a rug to sit on

Over weeks

they played pirates

treasure hidden on a root-shelf

at the back.

The creaks and groans

only added to the atmosphere

until the Sunday

of a summer storm

when they sheltered there