Walking on the Dyke, above Knighton

Propitious weather window,
favourable circumstances allow
a few hours for a walk:
stiff climb to the ridge,
valley far below,
narrow meandering ribbon-river,
two-coach tiny train,
and viaduct – hazy in a gap
of hills and valleys melting into Wales;
hot June sun, windy picnic at the top,
carpets of heath bedstraw,
skylarks thrilling as they rise
trilling in the spanning skies;
then they land, alertly stand,
staying briefly close at hand;

steep descent, take care, don’t rush,
to the lanes for timed return,
– water-logged and lush
the tangle in the verges, hedges:
campion, willow-herb and woundwort,
cow parsley, crosswort,
buttercups, foxgloves, vetch,
and wild rose, delicate;
clinging cleavers form a patch
to smother, suffocate
– explosive growth of goosegrass,
has made a swathing shroud.

Lane-side trees bring welcome shade,
and sun’s heat lessens,
increase of covering cloud,
– there may be rain again tomorrow,
today we’ve wallowed in a
welcome weather-window!