It’s a warm spring day,
as hot as summer,
and we drive to Mourne Park,
near Kilkeel
to go for a walk.

Sun-hats on as we step out
into a hot, dusty car park.
A short walk
along a concrete road
past calves snoozing in the sun
before stepping into the welcome shade
of woodland.
Pools of sunlight
and dappled shade.
The hyacinth scent of bluebells
and the raspberry fragrance
of Douglas Firs
has us sniffing air like Bisto kids
as we walk along.

The Whitewater River
slips slowly by,
pouring gently
over massive granite boulders
as a fish leaps
into the air.
Glassy, timeless waters!

A local rambler stops to chat,
recounting sightings
from decades of visiting Mourne Park –
a family of badgers
slipping down to the Whitewater
for a drink,
fox cubs playing
with their mother,
and a secret butterfly-filled path.

Mourne Park is her very own
little slice of Heaven,
this lady tells us.
A place where she feels
very close to nature
and very close to God.
From the mountain top
she loves to watch the lighthouse
which reminds her
that God is by her side,
constantly.

I think of the wee red sanctuary lamp
in the chapel,
my own constant reminder
that God is home
and I sense that, in this local lady,
I have found a kindred spirit.

We dander back to our car,
savouring the birdsong
that fills the air
and marvelling
at the quiet, peaceful beauty
in this very special place.

Today we spent a glorious spring day
in Mourne Park
and I’m convinced that,
when we were there,
God was very, very near!

© Claire Murray, 1st May 2025