Poetry and Pansies

I bombarded you all with lots of ideas and quick tips on the last two posts so I promise to be a little gentler this time. Some mindfulness and a little bit of poetry for you.

We’ve had some stormy weather with the wind tearing the leaves from the trees and the drainpipe rattling. One night it woke me and a poem began to form in my mind. I had to write it down as soon as I could before the words were lost again in my tangled thoughts. I hope you like it. I’m sure you will recognise the feelings which sprang to my mind.

Stormy Night

The wind whipped the house
Relentlessly, it seemed.
A hundred crevices creaked and moaned
While I lay and dreamed.

The sound awoke me.
Listening, I heard
The trees trembling as they bent and swayed.
Every twig was stirred.

It made me ponder
As I lay, snug and warm.
Very thankful that my home and bed
Kept me from the storm.

Today the weather was kinder, mild, damp and full of autumn pleasures. No harm had come from the windy turmoil of previous days. A misplaced watering can here and a few gathered leaves there but the polytunnels were standing strong and protective as ever. Thank goodness we anchored them well when we put them up.

As I strolled around the garden I took in some of the little details. I saw a damp, dark cone lying among the bark chippings on the ground. A Wood Pigeon’s feather lay on the path. It was pale grey and had a few raindrops lingering along its length. I spotted an apple still clinging to the tree. In time it will fall to earth and the Blackbirds will enjoy a winter feast.

There are new signs of life as well. The winter jasmine is flowering with pretty yellow blossoms. Such a cheerful sight on dull wintry days. The hellebores are growing fat buds for beautiful blooms in a few weeks and on one of the green ones today I saw a pair of Ladybirds nestled in among the shoots.

I finished planting my winter pansies and white bellis daisies. They’re safely tucked up in their pots before the frost kicks in. They will slow down when the weather turns nasty but will spring back to life and give us endless pleasure when it improves again.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a stroll around my garden. Stay safe and warm and enjoy your gardens or a walk in the woods if you can. Bye for now. With you again in a few days.