A crusty green and white
Hoar, grass and hair frost
Soon to be lost.
As Spring’s warmth slowly thaws Winter’s blight.
The dawn sun turns the water silver.
Then orange and bright.
Longer days and less night.
From beneath the earth bulbs.
Seeds start to push and fight.
To work their way to sun and light.
To appear yellow, blue, red and white.
Floating and rolling banks of fog and cloud.
Only brief glimpses allowed.
Of the valleys and the Downs.
From High n’ Over,
Ditchling Beacon, Beachy Head.
Seven Sisters cliffs to drool over.
Ouse, Cuckmere, Adur, Arun and Rother.
Have flooded plains.
No bother to migrant birds to feed and wade.
From their northward journey made.
The green Downs splashed with sheep and a
white gambolling dot.
Occasional deer skittish with fear not so easy to
spot.Cows and calves munching the turf.
Badgers setts to see, their earth paths clear.
Rabbit burrows also suddenly appear.
Walk for an hour.
On the top and sea afar.
Stop for a thermos of tea.
More walking thereafter.
To a Pub for a pickle sandwich and a jar.
Long afternoon tramp back to the car
Through woods, and over a stile
Or a kissing gate.
That always makes me smile.
Along farm tracks, muddy lanes and a chalk path.
Heading home with a warm tired glow.
For a meal and a warm bath.
A few pictures of the sights to show.
BY ROGER P. READ, JANUARY 2021
