It’s the season of Easter,
a time of great hope
for Christians
and I see this hope reflected
as I’m out and about.

I see this hope in our garden
where a spikey lupin
and a dappled, heart-shaped flower
have sprouted tiny fragments of root
after a flower bed
was completely dug-over
in autumn.
Two truly triumphant survivors
that make me smile!

I see this hope
on an abandoned building site.
Rusty scaffolding here
has recently had a “make-over”
as the colourful Montana climber
clambered all over it,
festooning it in pale pink flowers.
Such beauty on a building site –
who would have thought?

I see this hope
at Banagher Glen
where a section of oak
which has been completely severed
from its roots,
is now sprouting tiny oak branches
as it lies alongside a steep, grassy bank
where water trickles by
and the afternoon sun gently shines.
Wonderful!

As I carry this Easter hope
in my heart,
I’m deeply aware
of Reshma and Dylan
who are currently undergoing
medical treatment.
For Reshma and her family
as well as for Dylan and Eimear,
the last few months have been
one … long … gruelling …
o – r – d – e – a – l.

Walking through Banagher
I place Reshma and her family
along with Dylan and Eimear
in the loving care
of God.
I pray that they, too,
may be filled with Easter hope.

And in a tree nearby,
a cuckoo calls.

© Claire Murray, 10th May, 2025