APRIL 2020
April, bringer of spring
comes over the hills,
countryside awakening
despite human ills.
Our pet dove cries
his repetitive notes,
as we leave the house
in our outdoor coats.
Under the eaves by
the bathroom window
our visiting martins,
chattering low,
rebuild their nest,
after winter’s fury,
for this year’s brood
to continue the story.
Past the village hall
our road snakes by,
under the railway bridge
framing blue sky.
Old oak trees display
new leaves, shining bright,
for rooks, who chorus
their spring delight.
The fill the air
with noise aclaim,
above them the buzzard
plays a waiting game.
In a roadside bank
fresh bluebells appear,
their fragrant scent
hanging in the air.
We pass ‘hidden corner’
and down a farm lane,
with new born lambs
crying as in pain.
The ewes in return
grunt their reply,
suckling both offspring
as we walk on by.
Into the Ghyll now
full of bright sun,
we follow Trout Beck
along its slow run;
the trees curving over
sheltering sheep,
the river beside us
sings soft and deep.
Crossing an old stile
and into the field
rabbits run off,
their burrows revealed.
Now, deep in the Ghyll
surrounded by wood,
is a closed path sign
‘destroyed by a flood’.
So, it’s time to return
to a chaffinch’s song
joined by a wren
as we saunter along.
A friendly sheep starts
to follow our path,
sure we have food, it
just makes us laugh!
Along peaceful meadows
past the old farm,
our walk lifts our spirits
and quietens alarm.
As with us, we know,
walks a silent threat
taking thousands of lives
and not finished yet.
Our April walk brings
memories to treasure,
of friends we know
who shared our pleasure.