There Then Not

The Goodwin Sands a few miles from the Kent Coast.

Visit collection: Letter Postcards
Rainbow arching across a grey stormy sky, undulating sandbanks moulded by the sea
The Goodwin Sands are sandbanks that shift and change, keeping their secrets hidden. To visit is like stepping into a different dimension. To write about the sandbanks demanded so much more than a few lines. Transport yourself with this letter postcard. Read below.
  • There Then Not
  • The Goodwin Sands
  • 6 miles offshore
  • Deal Kent

Lashed with rain on our outward ride We arrived under thunderous skies, Flanked by inquisitive seals Our first glimpse of the sandbanks chilled, Surrounded by the unpredictable sea, Would it swallow us up or let us be?

With trepidation we stepped ashore, Trespasses on these famed sands The sun appeared, a rainbow transpired An amnesty? We hoped, While the tide had other shores to scope.

Respectfully we trod the sands Forever mindful of those who had gone before and what could ensue If we overstayed this precious tour.

We saw no ghosts, heard no eerie sighs No ringing of bells in the distant swell Just beautiful sands for miles and miles Peaceful, surreal, virgin land each tide Were we being mesmerised?

We weren't fooled by the soulful pools The sculptured sands, a beauty wrought by the restless sea, a jealous master who guards, then strikes extinguishing the lights of men binding crew and their doomed ships to the shifting sands, eclipsed.

We left before the sea’s interception Bowed our heads in silent reflection A place of tragedy of many lives lost The Goodwin Sands are there….

and then, they are not.