Herb gardens and framed views

    England. Apart from the sport, we did get out one weekend to visit The Herb Garden at Hardstoft in Derbyshire, a truly delightful little place. In addition to the main display garden, there is also a Lavender Garden, a Pot Pourri Garden and a Psychic Garden. We have also gone for our regular walks along the canal, and around the University Park lake. All the birds and squirrels seem to sense that they need to make the most of the good weather. Speaking of which, the past week has been extremely warm by English standards (upwards of 30 degrees Celsius).

    The rain, when it did eventually come, brought great relief, and inspired my poem, Come Rain Come.

    Diary entry, 1 July 2005

    We then had tea on the river, and wended our way back via Peter Pan's statue and the sunken garden of Kensington Palace, which is absolutely beautiful. You cannot enter the garden, but it is surrounded by a high hedge with little archways cut out of it, so you get a framed view of the garden - and of course, the view varies as you walk around and see it through the different archways. Very effective.

    Diary entry, 27 July 2005

    Come Rain Come

    Come, rain, come!
    Swirl with the mists of intrigue
    Like the ethereal wisp of whistles
    Shrouded with mystery
    And enchanting

    Come, rain, come!
    Patter with the kiss of butterflies
    Like the gentle blend of voices
    Infused with salve
    And healing

    Come, rain, come!
    Fall with the gift of life
    Like the soothing tap of marimbas
    Blended with tonic
    And quenching

    Come, rain, come!
    Pour with the pulse of ages
    Like the rhythmic beat of drums
    Stirred with emotion
    And invigorating

    Come, rain, come!
    Storm with the cry of battle
    Like the mighty clash of cymbals
    Consumed with passion
    And transforming

    Come, rain, come!
    Arch with the bow of promise
    Like the haunting wail of saxophones
    Imbued with colour
    And inspiring

    Read poem →

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