Our wee family spent
a truly glorious autumn weekend
taking leisurely walks
along quiet, golden, sandy beaches
as gentle waves lapped along the shore
at Fanad.
We clambered over massive granite slabs,
perched on boulders and sat,
squinting in the sunshine,
lazily watching encroaching waves
that crept closer and closer
to feet that dangled
over the Atlantic.

Bliss!!!

My alarm clock heralded the arrival
of a busy Monday morning.
A six o’clock start to the day,
lunches to be packed,
breakfast to be rushed,
school runs to be done
and, worst of all,
the prospect of a return to work!

As I walked to work
I felt as if I had come back to earth
with a bump!

I paused for a few minutes
behind the Waterfront Hall
and stood looking over the Lagan.
The Monday morning sun was rising,
creeping above a bank of clouds
and blazing gloriously.
It painted surrounding clouds
many shades of pink and peach
and stretched all the way down the Lagan
to where I stood, blinking.

I was filled with joy and sensed
My God saying to me, playfully,
“Claire,
This sunrise is my gift to you.
Enjoy it!
Fanad doesn’t have a monopoly on beauty,
You know!”
I continued my walk to walk
With a smile on my face!

© Claire Murray