He was last seen…edit0.0000001 john

[tectak]

Hi john,
No, yes you are right The piece is    but that is no excuse. On the peer/peers thing I am wondering if "On the pier the public peers TO scan the scene" might get me over myself. This syntax change then brings "peers to scan" rather than "public peers". What thinkest thou?
By the by, for a while I considered a duality in the "peers" being a noun, i.e. that the public were felt a dread equality with the victim, but it was a tough contrivance. The piece was written just to stretch and yawn, so no clever stuff
Thanks,
tectak.

Hi, tectak. ... peers to scan... doesn't work. Peer and scan are synonymous - duplication of effort. What about squeezing in appear?

On the pier the public appear maintains rhythm, assonance and consonance if you want
and scan the scene.
No one is there, the ocean bare;
he was last seen…. cue local radio station

Just a thought.

Hi john,
I jumped the gun but "appears" tips a syllable too many in to the line as well as changing the meaning. "peer" and "scan" mean the same ? No. Not so. "To peer. To look intently, searchingly, or with difficulty", " To scan. Observe repeatedly or sweepingly, as a large expanse; survey."..so to "peer to scan" is, in the diminishing light and misted air, exactly as I envisioned the activity. Does that make sense? A bunch of people looking intently out to sea and panning this way and that....
Nonetheless, I eat all crit. Thanks again.
tectak