On a mild, bright autumn evening
I leave work early
to walk to my car by the scenic route,
along Sirocco Walk.

In the distance I watch
a small, black oval shape
as it drifts back and forth
above the Lagan,
higher than the tall buildings
that flank either side.

I realise that this shape,
which looks remarkably like
a swarm of bees
must be starlings
gathering before they roost.

As I gradually draw closer
to this swaying flock
I begin to discern the forms
of distant, tiny, individual birds.
Smaller flocks of starlings
rush to join this aeronautical display
and the flock of starlings
continues to sway gently over the Lagan
as it slowly swells and grows.

Soon the flock of starlings
is directly overhead.
It’s a dizzying, hypnotic sight
and I wonder
why these starlings gather,
in their thousands,
on an autumn evening?
Do they feel drawn
to gather in this mighty flock
in the same way that I feel
an irresistible urge to follow My God?

Eventually, reluctantly,
I leave the starlings
as they continue to swarm and drift
above the Lagan
and I follow another irresistible urge –
the urge to go home
and to spend precious time
with those I love.

© Claire Murray