Today proves to be
a day of discoveries
for our wee family
when we head off
to Ravensdale Forest
for the first time.

A charming picnic area
set among towering trees
and a cascading stream.

A ring of standing stones
in the shadows of a clearing
where sunlight can’t penetrate.

A cautious red squirrel
in the fork of a beech tree
absolutely motionless
as he stares down at us
when we all file past.

Elegant caterpillars
of velvet black and navy
which drape gracefully
over nettles
in the afternoon sun.

Gazing down from a height
on a circle of hills below
and understanding for the first time
why these hills are called
the Ring of Gullion.

Thank you, Lord,
for today’s wonderland
of Ravensdale Forest.
It reminds me
of just how full of surprises,
how full of you,
creation is!

© Claire Murray, 22nd July 2020