A cool day and cooler water, that circles into the very small bay.

Brown rocks, still jagged at the tops, sport a black and orange water-line, where lichen and sea grasses cling to survive. A rocky, stony beach leads into deep water, for excellent swimming. Further out towards a blue horizon, the colours turn deep purple and black, and fear mounts in this unknown territory. As I swim level with the small headland, the adjacent cove can be seen with the marina, just down the coast.

This deep is an inkwell, as deep as it is wide, and the Russian blue and inky purple write the depths of mercy, who’s darkness can also bring fear.

The water is beautiful and the close proximity of the unyielding stone is atmospheric and dangerous. Stretching out, on the journey back, the relief brings out the sun, which instantly lightens the scene. I swim as a denizen rising out of the water and gaining “land legs” after dwelling in the deep.