HELSINKI :: a long pier

At the end of a long pier
There is a platform
Out in the middle of the Baltic Sea.
A panorama of calm water
Lapping at frozen shores
Dulled beneath grey clouds
Moving incessantly,
Hiding secrets.

This platform overlooks islands
With bare trees and white snow.
There is a fortress,
Grey snow-capped stone walls
Forbidding entry.
There is an island with red buildings
Backdropped by snowy hills
Like a fairytale.

The silence is consummate
Save for the water
Against the rock
Or the mumbling of the
Occasional boat.
There is no other movement
From bird or man,
Just still black water.

Behind me, the main island
Has parks covered in white magic
And dark leafless trees
Await their rebirth.
Colourful buildings weather the cold.
It is a small place yet always
There are people going for walks
Alone, with a dog, with a lover.

HELSINKI :: winter

Snowflakes hover in the air
Riding gently on the breeze
Then settle cozily in your hair
As you try not to sneeze.

Winter coats the rooftops white
And streets are painted with snow
Helsinki is a beautiful sight
At dusk with lights aglow.

Those who brave the biting cold
Venture to the harbour
To the marketplace with items sold
I look upon with ardour.

Beyond, ships dock beside the shore
Seeking shelter from the sea
This cozy place, this is the core
The ocean is the key.

The buildings, painted yellow walls
And white roofs, welcome me in
As winds howl and winter falls
I am glad to go within.