One cold, blowy, October day
I walk briskly into town
tucking my chin into my scarf
to keep warm.

A splash of blue catches my eye
as I pass a few trees
behind municipal green railing.
I glance over
and there, sheltered between the trees,
thrusting up between empty beer cans
are cornflowers –
startlingly blue and spikey,
beautiful, defiant
and so unexpected!

I smile
and continue on my way
offering up a quick prayer of thanksgiving
for cornflowers among beer cans
that lift my spirits
on a cold, autumn day.

© Claire Murrray, 10th October 2018