We spend a glorious spring weekend
at Tollymore forest.
Our holiday house
is the gate lodge –
pastel-pink and white
with church-style windows –
charming!
Step through the gate
and there we are,
right in the grounds
of Tollymore!

Dawn walks
while the busy world sleeps
and birds chorus.
Grass tinted silver
by early morning dew.
Tall shadows
striding before us
like giant match-stick men.
Red squirrels bounding gracefully
out of sight.

Afternoon walks
in warm sunshine
where we gaze in wonder
at huge expanses of bluebells
which form a purple haze
among the trees.

Dusk walks
in soft rain
where we spot timid deer
who watch cautiously
for a moment
before slipping silently
into shadows.

A whole weekend
for our wee family
to explore Tollymore
at any time of the day
or night.

Peaceful, beautiful,
bluebell-full.
Thank You, Lord!

© Claire Murray, 8th May 2023