This year’s return to work
after a six week summer break
feels like a struggle
and I’m surprised –
I usually return to work
in a positive frame of mind
feeling restored, relaxed,
full of energy
and ready to face the year to come.
But not this year
and I’m puzzled –
this isn’t like me!

And I think that I know why.
The summer weather has been appalling,
even by Irish standards;
it has simply rained and rained
and rained.
By the end of summer
I feel cheated
and, I conclude,
sun-deprived.

Thankfully
our summer bank holiday weekend arrives
and we head off to Inis Eoghain
where, to our delight, the sun shines!
Such a luxury
after a summer of rain!

We walk along quiet country roads at Burt,
explore Tullagh Bay
and clamber over stoney paths
at Malin Head.
Finally, at sun-down,
we watch the summer sky darken
as a dolphin cavorts gracefully
in still, shimmering waters
at Culdaff.

It’s a perfect end
to an imperfect summer
and now, as we drive home,
I finally feel refreshed
and I am ready face
the year ahead.

© Claire Murray, 28th September 2017