Hutton-le-Hole April 1970

HUTTON-LE-HOLE, APRIL 1970
(for Barbara)

Little lambs are playing
in the pale, green field,
but beneath the warm sun
a cold wind blows.
Four ewes come up
looking for a bite
of chicken sandwich
or a swig of vacuum-flask coffee.
The beck still races
through the village,
down the waterfall
and out again.
What visitors there are
have room to move about and walk
over stepping-stones and bridges,
though shoes become muddy.
Further up the dale
there is snow to be seen -
the last remnants of winter
remaining, withstanding
the onslaught of summer,
(heralded by the lambs)
with its hordes
of tourists,
ice-cream vans,
hot weather,
and the sunshine of money.

© Gerald England

Composed: Hutton le Hole, 10th April 1970

Publications

1972 Datr (UK)
1991 Hybrid (UK)