Today’s poem

TAKE TIME, TAKE NOTICE

As the natural world around us thrives, And we take an unnatural pause in our busy lives, We now have the time to stop and stare, At a magic and beauty that is always there.

So as we wander lonely, at a social distance, Take time to take notice, if only for an instance, Spring’s artistry that paints the stage of landscape views, In all the shades of green and its different tones and hues.

The tight-lipped bud waiting quietly in the wings, With audience anticipation of the performance that it brings, That bursts on stage and throws open its cape, Revealing colour and character, structure and shape.

The hedgerow and tree backdrop of wild intent, And the set brush-stroked with the colours and scent Of leaves and lichen, blossoms and blooms, And a black and gold character that buzzes and zooms.

Orange tips and common blues on stage in merry dance, The flutter and flash of wings hold the audience in trance, The blackbird leads the chorus finale with his full-throated strain, Until the landscape re-sets the scene and nature’s thespians begin their act again.

You can still get as close to the wildlife as you please, Breathe in the fragrance, kiss the flowers, hug the trees, There is no curtain call for nature’s long-running show, You have an open invitation. Why wait? Let’s go.

Sally Brandrick, Leamington Spa, Warks.

Limerick

We’re plagued by a horrible bug. You can’t give your grandma a hug. So please stay at home, Or shop on our own While wearing a mask on your mug.

Peter Freeland, East Grinstead, W. Sussex.