River Nene

This is the fourth in a series of seasonal poems inspired by my local river, The Nene. As I ran along the river bank in this Covid year, 2020, it became clear that although our lives have changed, as we grapple with the affects of the pandemic, Mother Nature is still doing her stuff, and

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

Spring in the valley

Creation called me to worship this fine April morning with the clouds scudding And the sky patched and sun-spotted. This valley still surprises me and lifts my soul; For the blackthorn is white with fine blossom And the black-legged, black-eared ewes, long suffering and nervous, As my two mutts mooch then tug on their leads.