Days are shorter,
streets are thronged with children
in school uniforms
and we need to wear our waterproofs
once more –
autumn is definitely here!

But when we go for a drive
on Saturday
we seem to get a reprieve.

Down at Greenore
the waters of Carlingford Lough
sparkle
in blinding sunlight
and butterflies alight on flowers
as we pass.
A velvet black insect on the road
squares up to us
scorpion-like,
hind-quarters poised to strike.

In the distance
a buzzard hovers
over unsuspecting prey.
And as we dander along
our fingers are stickily stained
black and purple
from gathering handfuls
of juicy blackberries.

Eventually
shadows lengthen,
evening mists settle
on the Mournes beyond –
it’s time to go home.

Thank you, Lord,
for a glorious summer’s day
during autumn –
such a wonderful surprise!
A day that feels
like a tonic, somehow –
and now I now feel
more ready
to look ahead to autumn
and all that it may bring.

© Claire Murray, 20th September 2021