It’s the first day
of my summer break.
I meet Paul and Fiachra
when they finish work
and off we go
to Greenore.

It’s a warm summer’s evening
and the pale sky is smeared
with pastel-coloured clouds.

We dander along a shingle beach.
Behind us are the smooth slopes
and serrated peaks
of the Mournes.
Before us
an old-fashioned sailing ship
slowly sails away
on satin silver waters.

Grazing goats and horses
watch curiously
as we pass.

A dog approaches timidly,
soulful eyes gazing up at us
as he begs for a tickle.
Inquisitive seals juke out of the water,
look all around
and then dive back into the sea.
Herons rise majestically from the shore
and lazily fly away.

Best of all
the prospect of six weeks of summer break
stretches out before me.
I feel incredibly chilled-out
and relaxed.

Thank you, Lord,
for a beautiful summer’s evening
at Greenore.
Such a perfect start
to my summer break!

© Claire Murray, 7th July 2017