Wild Moment: Sue Atkinson

Sue jotted down her poem after a lovely New Year's Day walk. "It was bright and cold and I set off early with the dog and without a plan... Just following my nose and letting the day unfold."

New Year's Day

After the hill, the dog and I swing down towards the old wood.
In sharp icy sun, the trees sparkle and a woodcock twists and slants away from our splash and crunch. My heart sings on days like this.

Then suddenly the slow brain registers what my ears already know... thin high cheeps.
And there they are..... winter bullfinches!
A dozen. No.... more.
Broad dark heads and rose breasts bold in the wispy birches.
A frozen moment.
Then there they go. White rumps bounding over snow and heather. Intent and urgent.  

Tonight I light the stove and gaze out at cold dark.
Imagine them out there... huddled, suspended, enduring.
Tiny mysteries. Tiny miracles.

© Sue Atkinson 2024

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