It’s a glorious Sunday afternoon
in May
and we have headed off
to the Birren Road
away up in the Sperrins.

After a picnic
we dander along this mountain road.
The sun blazes down
and larks chorus overhead
as they climb high into the blue sky
before plummeting to earth
singing all the while.

Blue skies, bird song and sun cream –
who could ask for more?

Then I spot the fly in the ointment –
here in the midst
of this heathery expanse of beauty
a farmer has deposited
a huge, rusting, coil of sheep wire –
a functional but unsightly way
to seal a gap
beside a huge gate.
Such an eyesore!

As I turn to continue
the most beautiful bird song
fills the air
and I glance round
to see if I can spot the singer.

And there it is –
a tiny, brown lark
has actually chosen this rusting coil of wire
as his perch of choice
and is singing his wee heart out!

Such beauty among ugliness!

And sure isn’t that always the way –
if only we take the time to look?

© Claire Murray, 3rd May 2019