The last day of my summer holidays
proves to be a day
of soaring temperatures,
Simpsons-blue skies
and sun cream –
a perfect day to cycle
to my favourite spot
by shores of Lough Neagh.

Cycling along quiet, country roads,
I smell the delicate scent
of wild sprirea and woodbine.
I watch swallows
as they swoop and dive
and buzzards circling overhead.
I feel the gentle warmth
of the sun on my face.

Arriving at Lough Neagh,
I savour the sight
of still waters stretching all the way across
to County Derry
and the Sperrins.

This is a day to savour,
not to rush,
and it takes me quite some time
to reach My Spot
near Corbally Road.
Once there,
I sit in the sun,
with a spectacular view before me
and My God beside me.

I feel spoiled!

I bow my head in prayer
and ask My God
to bless the year ahead
as generously as he has blessed
my summer break.

Eventually,
it’s time to return home,
feeling refreshed after spending
such a relaxing day in the sun
and ready to deal with
everything that lies ahead.

© Claire Murray, 30th August 2015