The Longest Day

Early on the longest day, we run past Waist high green wheat and yellow barley, While lambs to slaughter, gone, and Wild grasses, mowed and baled. A skylark’s song and sparrowhawk’s cry The only sounds in the early morning heat. Peacock, Red Admiral and Gate-keeper, Iridescent mayfly and black winged dragonfly Arise and dance ahead

Scratching the Surface

Beneath the soles of trainers and boots, Under the rubber tyres and padded paws, The sand and gravel, stone and dust Is pressed and beaten, levelled flat. A walker’s highway, a circuit for runners Where the beeps of fitbits join the mix Of blue tits and warblers and LBJs, And a returning cuckoo announces Spring.