I found this fragment, torn out of an old diary, when walking on the beach near Oban.
Unfortunately, the name of the author was not legible.


The Creature.


In the glimmering dusk,

As I strolled down the strand,

The fragrance of musk

By the zephyr was fanned.

While the heaving waves surged

And then broke on the shore,

A creature emerged,

As ancient as hoar.



I saw it stalking on the beach.

I saw it and I stood amazed.

I saw it and I heard it screech.

I saw it and I stood as crazed.



As the gloom gathered round,

And I stared at the deep,

There was scarcely a sound,

There was hardly a peep.

As the flowing tide rose

Like a creeping black ink

The crystal stars froze,

The moon was like zinc.



The sun was drowning in the seas.

The moon was rising in the skies.

The wind was blowing through the trees.

The creature ran…


and uttered cries.