The other side of the island

We are not allowed here,
yet here we are,
where ants trick
pine needles
into neat piles 
and the briney marsh
on an offshore breeze
forces you to mark 
each breath.

We are not allowed here
and yet we’re coming back,
from a place far off where
depth charges dislodge
submarine crews
from forgotten missions.

They blink,
at the weak midnight sun; 
they are not allowed here
any more than we,
but have been captured
whilst we are free.