The car is fixed (at long last!)
and we’re able to go
for a proper drive –
we head off to Banagher.

The sun shines bright and warm
and we don our sunhats
for the first time this year!

A steep walk
along a shady, steep-sided glen,
past wee, pale yellow clumps
of primroses,
starry white flowers,
and pompom-headed, golden dandelions.
Then out into bright sunlight
where swathes of deep purple bluebells
stretch along the path
and away, way down
into the glen.

Bees drift between dainty, arched bluebells,
butterflies flutter past,
jet-black flies bask on dandelions
and navy beetles cross our path
ever so slowly!

So peaceful here!

Then, from across the glen,
the unmistakable, rhythmic sound
of a cuckoo
stops us in our tracks
as, holding our breath,
we listen to his call –
Cuckoo! Cuckoo!

Such a blessing to hear the cuckoo,
a herald of spring
and of warm days ahead.
A sign that cold, winter days
are well and truly behind us.
A little gift from God, really –
thank You, Lord!

© Claire Murray, 3rd May 2026