In the first sunshine of a new September I walked abroad, looking for golden leaves, But they were few for it was still too early. Then I observed a Sainsbury’s orange plaque; Strong light awakened in it red and gold. Against this glowing field a shadow tree Displayed its graceful branches, dancing leaves: Unlooked for […]
What Colour is a Copper Beech?
What Colour is a Copper Beech? I try to tell the colours – Purple or red or green, A tender pink or brilliant bronze; All these are often seen. This tree is a chameleon, Changing with shade and light, At times a sombre presence, Then dazzling startled sight. This evening, as it happened, Just as […]
Winter Ending
I woke to hear the soft sound of the rain, Oddly insistent in my drowsy ear. It quickened, and I saw a storm of hail Plummeting down, to whiten path and lawn. Above me swept the trailing skirts of cloud, Flying before the swift hounds of the wind. Below my window, clumps of snowdrops bloomed, […]
Seeds of Time
This morning in the fitful early light Beyond the near, familiar scene I saw, Beyond the cherries, pines and copper beech, Beyond the pitch of roofs, a further tree, Distant, unmarked before, which now emerged, Shining against grey cloud, ethereal, Its thinning leaves light green and touched with gold. Its fragile beauty, knocking at my […]
Reform Magazine Announces URC News Digest
REFORM magazine is marking the New Year with the launch of ‘Digest’ – four dedicated pages of news from the United Reformed Church. The Digest will be a self-contained newsletter-style section within the magazine, concentrating exclusively on denominational and local church stories. REFORM editor Kay Parris said: “The Digest will give us the opportunity to […]
Star In the East
Magi in their mystery, Studying the skies, First received the message That a king should rise. Many duties claimed them, Cares of peace and war; Far and faint the promise Offered by a star. Yet the wise men followed, Taking various ways, Trusting in the portent Many nights and days. So the star led onward […]
Ice and Fire – Winter 2009
Ice and Fire – Winter 2009 The week before Christmas it came – the year’s first snow And a biting chill which ruled the day and the night. Surely the sun was banished and stripped of power In the annual fight which is waged between fire and ice. Yet the sun broke through when at […]
Catching the Light
Sheila Durbin, one of our Church members and a regular contributor to this website, has just had her first book of poetry published. The volume is entitled ‘Catching the Light’, and Sheila says that her chief sources of inspiration are the natural world and her Christian faith. “Recently, one of my main themes has been […]
Tree in Autumn
This morning, in the fitful, early light, Beyond the near, familiar scene, I saw, Beyond the cherries, pines and copper beech, Beyond the pitch of roofs, a further tree, Distant, unmarked before, which now emerged, Shining against grey cloud, ethereal, Its thinning leaves light green and touched with gold. Its fragile beauty, knocking at my […]
Webs
Last night I slept with my window half-open; When I woke, dawn sunshine was lighting the room And I saw golden threads strung from window to frame. In one night a spider, working, in darkness, Had hung his home from the cliff of my window; When I opened it fully, the shining threads snapped. Windows […]