Summer has been different
this year.
A back injury disrupted our plans.
But a new routine
of rest and relaxation
has emerged.

Working together
to entice wildlife
into our garden –
gold finches, green finches
and squirrels.

Planting summer blooms together
of reds, whites, pinks, purples
and a fragrant lavender hedge,
buzzing with bees.

Leisurely walks together
to Musgrave
where we dander among
towering copper beeches,
bursting flower beds
and manicured bowling greens
as we watch for squirrels
(and the occasional mouse!)

Drinking coffee together
in the multitude of coffee shops
on the Lisburn Road
as we relax, chat
and watch the world go by!

Laughing together
as we follow the antics
of Audrey, Marjory and Richard
in a box set
of To the Manor Born.

All so very different
from what we had planned.
But in this challenging year
I wonder
whether a summer
of forced rest and relaxation
has been perhaps
what we really needed
even if it it was not at all
what we had planned?

© Claire Murray, 19th August 2019