Hot – Hot – Hot!

One by one – two Buzzards circle – above the tangled verges,
Crying a morning’s welcome on a thermal rise!
Weavings of knot-weed – waft their pollen – in white flower trumpets,
Seducing the Wasps and the Flies!
The ploughed brown fields – reaching up to the foothills,
Swathes of shadings scored across the clay!
The Hawthorn hedgerow rambles by – as the wheat pricks up its ears,
With all encompassing – engulfed within the silver glow of the day!

Twisted trees – cast their morning shadow,
Over the dry bed stand-still – of the babbling stream!
The songbirds sporadic – zig-zagging back and forth,
Even the Crows – they scarcely show – as the Sun turns on full beam!
The Brambles flowering wildly – like a web of lace,
Palette painted variants – of pink and white tones!
Entering the seasonal tunnel that embraces an entrance,
Feeling the anticipation – deep down in my bones!

Wood Pigeons scatter as I enter the gateway,
Two Meadow Brown Butterflies – offering a welcome – fluttering in flight!
House Martins party – throwing solo swirls and each in turn,
An away day holiday at the House Martin Campsite!
Sweeping in swoops – in their half dozen group,
In the southern corner stands their favourite tree!
I’m distracted by the vibrant golden yellow – of the St John’s Wort flowers,
With the first of its early bloomers – bursting free!

Robin investigates the hedgerow to our outer reaches,
Guiding the journey around Orchard Way!
There’s a flash of electric blue – pinging into view,
With a wisp on by – skits a Damsel Fly – gleaming in the sway!
The air hangs still – on the breath of will,
A precursor to the glory of the Sun’s highest climb!
With growth in abundance reaching for the skies,
An age old gift fermented – in space and time!

The purple ornamental Crab Apple Tree – sharing a transformation,
An elegant growth spirt of blushing shape and form!
The Pears and the Plum – show a healthy fruit potential,
Even the Greengage is eager – quietly soaking up the warm!
There’s a positive note for the twin Discoveries,
Forming an early framework along Orchard Way!
The Wild Cherries bloom resplendent – in the freshest flush of greens,
The Primroses rest – around Lizzie’s Orange Pippin – with her forming fruit on display!

The Almond stands steadfast – with its wealth of purses,
Dealing with slight imperfections – nipping red at the leaves!
Well dressed and tended is the bed of the Dogwood – prepared so well in advance,
Covered in a network of ring round fruit cups – where the berries swell with ease!
The contorted Hazel hiding its modesty – under cover in a deep green cloak,
So widely travelled both home and away – before retiring to mature – taking pride of place!
Pinpoints of colour contrasts – highlight the lure of the Butterfly Garden,
The Red Hot Pokers and the vibrant yellow Iris – the Comfrey clusters and the Buddleia race!

There’s a many seasoned growth – to the strength of the Yew,
Evolving with the pages of our history and turning Sun-wheels past!
The Elders newer – to complete the scene – they flourish well within the green,
Flanking astride the triplet – of the Samhain bed – a bonus feature for its timely cast!
As a backdrop to memory – close and personal – creating a sheltered pool of peace,
Zones within zones – on to where I rest my bones – where the Holly bed lays bare!
With the raising of the land and its finite borders – the replanting draws ever near,
Lifting the roots above the water table – for a Holly hedgerow – to be planted with loving care!

As company gathers the lanterns are readied – while the entrance candles refresh their glow,
Second breakfast convenes in the Moon Garden – sharing in the cool of its shade!
Collective memory enhanced – with a few seasonal choice phrases,
Reflecting sun-burn tales – of old Pilgrimage trails – distant journeys fondly made!
Recounting the rise and fall of the miles – forever wrapped within kindred smiles,
‘The Planning Department’ walking in circles – in honour of the Plants and the Trees!
Surveying the environment – cementing future planning,
Discovering unknown Butterfly species and enjoying the bugs and Bees!

Preparations done and we lay our table – under the burning of the Sun,
With a chiming rhythm – guiding gathering’s focus – following the calling of melodies flow!
Cycles are circled in timeless motion – settling to rest with the Silver Birch,
Heralding the arrival of the Sun’s highest climb – and he’s putting on a show!
We stand with a view – with memory of Autumn – gathering the bounty of the land,
We stand with a view – with memory of Winter – where the midnight darkness finds its sleep!
We stand with a view – with memory of Spring – with nature bursting into life,
We stand with a view – with memory of Summer – recalling Summer memories we’d hope to keep!

With the flare of the sunburst – stroking our faces,
In the warmth extending – beyond our finger-tips!
Here’s to the Ancestors and the mighty Oak,
Feeling the heat – as the sweat truly drips!
While the breeze it rests – silent and breathless,
We feel the stillness of the peace in the air!
As we come to a close we find our words are melting,
Relaxing the structure to the touch we share!

Drawn to the shade – a withdrawal is made,
Disrobing in the margins and revealing too much flesh!
The heat is sweltering – with technical indications,
Behold the outdated water – so cooling and fresh!
Come the revelation – there’s a primitive form of showering,
Taking the moment to let off steam!
The body smiles reaction – with the shudder of a sigh,
Catching threads of the breeze – reassuring beyond the extreme!

Pulse rate returns to normal and preparations dismantled,
Calm and thoughtful with trips to the shade!
After the mass migration – I find my lonesome,
I take the chance – to watch the Damsels dance – lost in the moment where memories are made!
Chilling clothes in the shade – I gather my visions,
Returning my necessities – to the confines of my magic bag!
Retiring to the retreat ahead of schedule,
Affording my return – the time to drag!

oOo