A Spring Walk

Setting out at a steady pace

the warm spring breeze on my face

leaving behind the village sounds

to open my mind and look around

 

White lace like blooms line the lane

a scene made by many blooms small and plain

hedgerow leaves unfurl fresh and green

the leaves of the ash are not yet seen

 

There beyond the bushes screen

beyond the wind rippled field of green

beyond the tree where the jackdaws flew

there are the hills of distant blue

 

The paddock has a golden buttercup sheen

the spring fresh grass can not be seen

the horses are now in a paddock up the hill

as eating buttercups would make them ill

 

Climbing the stile into a field of hay

an earthen path shows the way

across the field to the hedge and gate

on reaching the hedge I hesitate

 

To listen to the birds singing away

in the peaceful quiet of the day

above the symphony of sound

a blackbird sings out full and round

 

Through the gate to where the cattle graze

a curious cow meets me with her gaze

I wonder at the thoughts of this ruminant

perhaps she wonders where her children went

 

Though the pasture to the lane

past the church and pub again

to arrive at the place I love most

for a cup tea, marmalade, butter and toast.