Down narrow country lanes
lined with overhanging trees;
Cool, shady leafy tunnels
that only dappled light fills.

Quiet woodland glades
a bluebell filled heaven;
Fairy rings and butterflies
and pretty red squirrels.

Then out into the sunlight
of the open patchwork fields;
The lushness of the meadows
of the valleys and the hills.

Homes clustered in the valley
built of mellowed sandstone;
Weather worn and seasoned
drystone walls built with skill.

Sweet smelling Meadowsweet
with creamy florets,
And Honeysuckle hedgerows
perfuming warm summer air.

The Meadowlark up high
sings a very sweet song;
And the Yellowhammer flirts
to lead the walker on.

Gypsy ponies grazing
tethered near the road;
Waiting for their owners
to bring their oats by.

A tan coloured cow
quietly chewing on her cud;
Rests her chin on the wall
and dolefully gazes on.

Trout leaping in the beck
to catch the Mayfly;
Sparkling water droplets fall
from rainbow hued sides.

Rambling through the countryside
a pleasant day is spent;
Observing nature’s beauty
till the evening sun is set.

Jackie S Brooks
13 July 2003