When the weather is fine, and the sun is high
I take the time to go riding by
The jagged rocks and pounding surf
That then give way to sand and turf.

One day I saw a girl out in the sea
She smiled and waved then called to me.
‘I often see you riding by.
I’d be interested to know why.’

‘It’s just something that I like to do.
I could say the same about you.
How many girls swim out that far?
I don’t see your boat or car.’

‘No need’ she said, ‘I swim quite well.
I’ll see you again, I can tell.’
The days went by, the friendship grew.
I was always riding something new.

Sometimes a horse, or a side by side,
Sometimes a ute or a car to drive.
‘Why is it that you don’t just walk?
It would be easier for us to talk.’

‘This arrangement works for me,
I am happy by the sand and sea.’
She shrugged her shoulders and swam away.
I knew I’d see her another day.

Next time I came from the other way
Quietly riding my horse that day.
She was sitting combing her long wet hair
Using a slippery rock for a chair.

It was then I glimpsed something shiny and long
A shape that looked familiar, and strong.
She jumped when I called her name
And slipped into the water again.

‘So now you know,’ she said looking sad.
‘Is making friends with a human so bad?
We can never live like other people do.
There is no place for me and you.’

‘You asked me once why I don’t walk
When we meet for our daily talks.
I’d walk if I could, but my legs aren’t strong.
I need help to move along.

We both don’t have powerful legs to use
But that shouldn’t mean we have to lose.
I’ll buy a boat and live on the sea.
You can call by and visit me.’

‘You’re strong enough to man a boat
And I can easily stay afloat.
You be the skipper – I’ll be your crew.
It will be the start of something new.’