Rathfriland Morning by Leslie Bustard

And some time make the time to drive out west… 

In September or October, when the wind

And the light are working off each other…

Seamus Heaney

Or one morning make time to brave the moody skies.

Call the collie to your side as you walk 

the farmers’ lane —it will be quiet with 

Holly Blue butterflies above the hedgerow

 and occasional warbling of a wren. 

The honeysuckle will be blooming among 

hawthorn and ripe blackberries. The land, 

like the clouds, will spread far beyond. Stand 

still at the pasture gate and wait for the 

cows to meander near. Their soft eyes will 

look up from eating, and one by one they’ll 

gather to you, jostling to be closer. 

At the end of the lane, two swans glide 

away from tall grass; small cygnets follow 

slowly behind, as if distracted by all that shines.