How to tell the time when we begin again

I know I write this poem from a privileged place. I am lucky to be able to smell haymaking on a hot summer afternoon, and do all the other things that I mention. I live in the country, not far from the sea on the western edge of Wales. But I have lived in big cities too and I believe that wherever we are we can all find our own special places, sights and sounds that help us to be more aware of the world around us. And as we emerge and begin again, let us all find ways to be slow.

 

How to tell the time when we begin again

Before we do anything at all

let us first breathe deep

be unhurried

let us not scuttle out into the world

only be quiet in all the places

 

that remind us of our place on this Earth.

Listen well to the robin’s song of joy

blackbird’s early morning trill

buzzard’s soaring cry

from clear blue sky.

 

Take one step, stop,

look up, turn around

breathe new air

 

truly fresh air deep into lungs

let the ribcage widen

smell garden scents of

roses, mint, honeysuckle

salty seaweed on the beach

 

haymaking on a hot afternoon

woodsmoke drifting

through an unruffled evening.

Meander in soft meadows

stroke tall grasses.

 

Take one step, stop,

look up, turn around

breathe new air.

 

Massage hands over tree bark

enjoy the weight and warmth

of a smooth round stone in your palm.

Sit still in fields that fade into distance

watch how slowly hills rise

 

wonder at rocky crags

that touch the sky

let wild seas and crashing waves

wash away grime.

Feel hot sand trickle through fingers.