It’s winter-time in Banagher.
Cold, crisp mountain air
freezes our breath.
Cloudless, blue skies overhead,
iced puddles under foot
and melting icicles that drip
from frosted banks.

It’s so peaceful here –
no traffic,
no other people,
no breeze
and not even any bird song!

Still waters of the lake
mirror the lake and a primrose sky –
breath-taking!
I have never seen Banagher
look more beautiful!

Then, picnicking on stone steps
up at the dam,
cold hands gladly clasping
mugs of hot soup
and dunking thick slices
of buttery Belfast bap
while, in the distance,
the slopes of Mullaghmore glow softly
in pinks and oranges
as they bathe
in a winter sunset.

Bliss!

Thank you, Lord,
for this mountain walk
at Banagher
that filled our wee family
with a sense of wonder
on a winter’s morning –
truly awesome!

© Claire Murray