Out on the moor – Jane Osborne

On Monday morning as I was walking out I saw,

Twelve geese flying low in grey airforce formation

Ducking and diving towards Bristol Channel blue.

On Tuesday morning as I was sauntering I spied,

Ten egrets elegantly eating elvers,

Picking their muddy way through algae bank and shore.

On Wednesday evening as dusk was turning dark and deep, I glimpsed

Eight roe deer eating their supper by starlight,

Then skipping and springing over river and rhyne.

On Thursday afternoon shiny with raindrops I saw

Six swans sitting, camped beside the Parrett,

Staring into space, waiting for the Spring.

But on Friday I saw four herons, separate and solitary,

Magnificently motionless until I made a move.

Then with huge wings outstretched they scrambled,

Taking off near Burrowbridge and

Confidently flying out to Bristol Channel blue.