The Gatekeeper’s Birthday!

This morning comes to light – with a fine mist spray – hanging in the breeze,
A sky of subtle grey – it welcomes the day – whilst the time ticks by with ease!
A greeting of friendly smiles – transporting me for miles – to lay me by the stream,
It’s so familiar a function – meeting with the junction – so happy I could scream!!

As we set the pace – the softly mist – it kisses my face – where the hawthorns hug us in,
Over the rise with its expanding threads – and the purpose of our visit can begin!
We plan a grand entrance – before we enter the doorway – and I am introduced to history’s gate,
A decade in the making and weathered with age – kindly unassuming and looks just great!

Looking to the future – we can breathe in its air – a formal opening to a long-held dream,
Soaking up the moment – with a nod to the past – while we anticipate its theme!
Stepping back along the entrance path – we settle to compare our notes – and share our thoughts,
A Male Pheasant scurries amongst the fruit trees – bless him – a dishevelled looking thing of sorts!

The mists subside as we walk the outer circle – admiring the fruit and nut of the orchard bed,
Weaving through tangles – and renegade Brambles – hanging like vines from overhead!
The Almonds feed the Squirrels in their stealthy raids – beyond where the eye can see,
Plums and Pears – form in their multitude – and the Greengage fruits have come to be!

The Apples nipped in the bud – by the late and lingering frosts – leaving the branches bare,
With a mass of leaves – they dress for their modesty – as its sadly all they have to wear!
Past the Bardic Chair – and the planning there – where the Silver Birch take a bow,
Enter the Moon Garden that stands in transition – awaiting in the here and now!

We pause for a look at the dry bed of the Brook – where the Willow and Hawthorn hide the view,
Completing our circle at the Butterfly Garden – and where the Hazel is under review!
A Meadow Brown Butterfly – shares a dance around the Buddleia – with its rising purple flowers,
While an electric blue Damselfly – accompanies as a partner – to a silent tune that lasts for hours!

Gathering up sticks from redundant Chestnut Paling – we return to history’s gate,
Crossing the threshold – to put our plan into practice – with so much to contemplate!
Rolling out our ribbons of speculative thought – following contours of imaginative flow,
The time-honoured ghosts – of original perimeter posts – putting on a traditional show!

Retiring for lunch I rest my weary legs – watching a Dragonfly exploring and scanning the scene,
There’s a screeching soundtrack from a youngling Buzzard – but its no-where to be seen!
The Gatekeeper’s Birthday inspiring shared memories – as we are shadowed from the Sun,
Clearing skies – come as a thankful surprise – just as we’d hoped it would have done!

With the aid of old pages – a spark becomes ignition – and the flames begin to glow,
Burning up the need of the clips and cuttings – fading with age as the embers grow!
Feeding in the edges as the fire burns – reducing to a fine gathering of ash,
With the heat reigniting the last of the sweepings – in one last and final flash!

With an air of excitement – pushing back the boundaries – a quarter circle is defined,
Fine-tuning the fence line – in respect of humble beginnings – with a statement underlined!
Exacting the positioning of the Fir Tree in the North – that will come in time of course,
Charting the water channel that will help form an island – uncovering the journey of its source!

Content with our actions – we await the word of acceptance – biding our time in the coming days,
We return to the fireside in wistful repose – soaking up the sun and its rays!
A Wasps nest recorded at the back of the shed – where sluggish inhabitants keep to themselves,
A small construction – with entrances positioned above and below – tucked between the shelves!

Dragonflies in a wide array of colours – flitting to and fro – in random swirls of flight,
All shapes and sizes putting on a performance – hinting and glinting in the afternoon light!
With a screech of achievement – the young Buzzard reappears – from beyond the Almond Tree,
Interacting with a Kestrel in an encouraging engagement – close enough to clearly see!

An investigative Hornet circles the roundhouse posts – as Pigeons and Crows pass on by,
Butterflies scutter – all of a flutter – against the majestic blue of the summer sky!
Before we go – there is time to mow – and the gatekeeper as always has it all in hand,
Retiring to the Bardic Chair – I feel the inspiration there – a sudden thought and quite unplanned!

Admiring the Stones as they gather in the circle – freshly defined amidst the fresh cut grass,
A Southern perspective through the Silver Birch – as the time it comes to pass!
Tearing myself away – I capture my images of the day – to expand on my collection of files,
Before we reassemble – to share our final thoughts – in an accomplished kind of style!

Fledgy comes to call in its best bib and tucker – arriving proud in its beautiful – natural hues,
The perfect plumage of a seasoned fledgling – now in adult uniform as it comes to share the news!
Close and personal we watch in wonder – exchanging glances with whistles and words,
Before settling for fine dining – with our popular offerings – irresistible to its fellow birds!

At the end of our day – with the tools put away – it’s time to hit the road,
A final meander – back down the retreat of the entrance path – carrying our load!
Lifting the gate – as it has dropped of late – placing the Grove under lock and key,
Left to its own devices – a natural haven – where the spirit of nature runs free!

oOo