Down the lane

Down the lane

Down the lane I went strolling

As slow as prudence permitted 

Fearful of breaking into a stride 

Or something resembling exercise. 

Anxious to avoid burning calories

Or achieving anything  worthwhile

My objective today is to blend in 

Without disturbing the poppies. 

For nature is busy as work

With weeds and grasses a blooming

With bees and insects a humming

As June stands aside for July.  

The wind is caressing the lane

The lane that leads down to the sea

To a beach known only to locals

Where waders and seagulls abound.  

Spring and summer combine

To encourage a furious growth

There’s a riot taking place in the hedges

Where everything jostles for space. 

The farmers have done what they needed

Silence reenters the land

Today South Wexford is singing

A warm and beautiful hymn.  

A hymn without words rising higher 

Than Our Lady’s beautiful spire 

Across  from her island and lake

Where pilgrims circle in prayer. 

The sky’s a pale China blue 

The clouds ride high in the heavens 

The soul is tethered and nourished

In the heat of the early summer.