Looking for Beauty

Summer colours going now
brightness sinking into green
and grey - memories weigh
heavier than the future
and yet, again the gift, today.

Last Sunday

Yesterday on the water with friends
Everything smooth, all anxiety fled
Beauty above, below, around us
All past and future in the now and blessed.

Blackberrying

Their ripening comes faster now
black clusters of berries
so redolent of my childhood
and teenage years. They greet
and reproach me each summer

It's impossible not to pick
them, stew them with sugar
feel the burst of bitterness
and sweetness on my morning tongue.

Stone Circle

Standing stones, sky, grass

moving clouds, hedgerow, path -

where I passed and came again

something's changed

yet stays the same.

Fugitive

The fugitive sun's returned -

we all come out to look at him

neighbours on their doorstep

joke 'Sshh, don't mention it!'.

Dogs walk face up to the clear sky,
there's a sudden scatter of mushrooms

burgeoning near the path

and on the pavement by my door

a pound coin I didn't drop, gleaming.

Beach Party

Cold swim, clear water, boats, old friends

Dogs, children, shared food on paper plates

Tall trees, fires, light on water, talk, song

A couple deep in love, blazing candles on her birthday cake.