Winter’s Vice

In silent stance the ice holds still,Branches stilled; Spiked shards fringe each boughin pearlescent white;Stiff snow cloaks mounds of earth,Each bearing tiny crested peaks and troughs defined by rivulets of soil;There’s a crunch beneath one’s feet:A footprint left,Of others too;Angular crossings over the land-Journeys made visibleFor all to see;A scent pervades in the the stillnessContinue reading “Winter’s Vice”

Their Space, Our Space

Where we live Borrowed views Stretch the imagination;The thread of the lane over the hill, The upland ridge Or blanket of moorland fog;Always aware of our windswept ride And the light of the Western sky. Unique Is the position of our home;Though once those ancient stones Yielded No view,Sparing the inhabitants Of the prevailing windThatContinue reading “Their Space, Our Space”

On Holne Moor

They mined for tinBeneath blue skiesWhere skylarks sing And swallows soarAnd call of summer home. Joyous the meadow pipit’s Undulated flight Low over tinner’s spoil Now clothed in gorsePink Heather driftsAlong the edgeOf long forgotten mining lore.Perky, the stonechat pair Bob between bush and mire.He bright and sporting red like hunting pinkShe a modest brownishContinue reading “On Holne Moor”

February Mist

When fog hangs over us , as so often it does on the 300 ft contour , why are we always surprised to find a different day as we drop down into the valley? Entrenched, enshroudedIn mist so thick The sun,obscured devoid of lightDarkened boughs hang lowUnder the rain -filled cloudLanes stain redAs mud leachesAndContinue reading “February Mist”

Storm 3

The four winds blow, Mustering yet more strengthIn rallying war cry Powerful and StrongSweeping over bent grassCombing and creasing the hillInto ripples of spun icing; Trees are rocked and spun in Forceful gyrations prizing Naked branches apart.Building and retreating in monumental fashionRelentless in accomplishment.Refusing to abate.All through the nightTo the cold blue-greyAnd a view.debris castContinue reading “Storm 3”

Storm through the Night

All through the night – relentless and totally dark. Our 375 year house sits on a high ridge and it does feel like we are sometimes under siege . A gusting windExhales in bursts The rain Like knives spears the darkRicochets off ancient walls.To the keeper of the keys. The pulsating nightDrinks in thirstThe slatesVibrateContinue reading “Storm through the Night”