alastair macleod 
Strip of Light 

‘He paused “You know, some say that “woman” is the most powerful force in the world. For the most part I would say that analysis is right, but for people like me, ” he went on, “she has a rival, the sea and I’ve thought about this a lot. When I’m at sea I can feel safe, supported, like with a mother, but the sea is also feisty, exciting, fickle as well as smooth and gentle, like a lover. We seamen still like women but almost as a distraction — the sea is our main love”