Tales of walking, eating, watching and playing. Vintage treasures and simple pleasures ... the things that make her happy.

Monday 20 January 2014

They have been bullied ...

... by weeks of unrelenting wind and rain,
all encompassing, seeping rains. 
Ruthless, bitching winds tearing and ripping.

The Somerset Levels ... a muddied, sullied sea.
Muchelney remains an island and many other roads are still impassable.

Bridges cracked and broken.
 
 VJ has been lucky ... she lives on higher ground.
The winds poked and slapped them, 
and rain tormented ... dripping through ceilings and over doors.

But ... the weather has a conscience,
Yesterday sunshine was offered ... all day,
and, quick to forget, they forgave.

It was a truly blessed day,
they treasured it.

They have been caged, lungs starved ...
they walked with renewed vigour in a nearby forest.

Deeply breathing leafy air.

Sodden earth,
frosted in shade,
will bud again ...

... and recover.

Many of their favourite trees have been beaten into submission ...
fallen, they lie ripped and exposed.

But the mightiest stands proud, undefeated,
it's foot firmly planted.
Toes splayed, deeply rooted ...
The forgotten sound
of forest birdsong travelled with them ...
Walking out into sun bathed fields ...
bordering a nearby quarry ...
Emerging from hibernation ... !







33 comments:

Rosemary said...

Dear Marina - a post filled with hope, encouragement and looking to the future.
My heart goes out to those who have suffered flood water in their homes, and often not for the first time. Something must be done to help protect them soon.

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This was beautiful, xx

freckleface said...

Ham hill makes everything better, always!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

How gorgeous your account here reads; I almost felt as if I were reading Seamus Heaney! I am so saddened by the damage brought onto your country by those torrents of fury, but to see that peace abounds after the storm in a POEM, oh what a way to deal with such shock. May the trees stand up and notice the power of the human spirit. Bravo.

Sopa Azul said...

So glad you are enjoying your walk! Hugs :D

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

We've certainly had our fair share of rain, beautiful sunny skies today, very cold though! :) x

rusty duck said...

It's great to hear from you, I'd been wondering how things were. I hope the countryside and all those affected will recover soon.

Madelief said...

BEAUTIFUL words Jane! It sounds like poetry....

I didn't realise the situation in the Uk was that bad. Happy to hear the weather changed for the good!

Madelief x

Down by the sea said...

Like last year Somerset have been so badly affected with the floods. I feel so sorry for those affected. I hope the leaks you have experienced are easy to sort out.
Glad you enjoyed the sunshine yesterday too. We love the walk and woods around Ham Hill too.
Sarah x

greenthumb said...

Sounds like you've been having really bad weather, glad you could get out and go for a lovely walk.

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Your weather looks so lovely and perfect for a walk! Enjoy! Hapy new week! xo Holly

homemade@myplace said...

so sorry to hear all that and I'm happy to know that the bad weather gave you a break to enjoy some sunshine. In JK we are having a lot of rain, too. I think that a big flood is just around the corner….
xxxxxx Ale

*Maristella* said...

Hi Marina.
I'm sorry to see your land so badly treated, even here in Italy the rain did much damage, people died... collapsed houses,entire hills collapsed. :o(
Hopefully this time you begin to behave!
Kisses and hugs, *Maristella*
(with translator)

KC'sCourt! said...

Your walk looked wonderful.
Julie xxxxxxxxxx

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Stunning words and stunning photos. Xx

Jane Aston said...

Lovely post and approach to life. I await the spring images, it must be glorious in those woods.

Catherine said...

You have suffered badly! Glad things are improving for you all now x

Art and Sand said...

Beautifully written words.

I do hope that your "weather" is over and the sun comes out each morning so that you can get outdoors.

Kristie said...

Hi Marina,

You are such a good writer. I love reading your posts. It does look barren there...of course it is barren just about everywhere. That is a lot of water! I remember a post you wrote sometime ago on Somerset and the water. I'm glad you live on higher ground.

You mentioned that you had water leaking from you're ceiling? I hope it wasn't too bad. Sounds like a roof problem. LOL Oh the joys of ownership! I bet you are warmer though with those wonderful new windows!!

Take care, sweetie!

gillyflower said...

Wow there has been some bad flooding in your area.
Doesnt the sunshine make everything look alive and beautiful! Lovely photos, looks like a great walk!
Gill xx

Streetcomber said...

Devastating scenes, I hope more sunny days are coming your way very soon.

Barbara said...

Such a beautiful post, I'm glad you are staying dry. More rain forecast for the weekend so it may be time to stay in side again. Keep dry!

Unknown said...

You have such a lovely way with words, looks like a beautiful walk such lovely photos. The rain really is anoying now and I cant wait for the spring and the warm sunshine to appear. Have a lovely weekend. Dee x

tlcukjourney said...

Jane those first few photos are almost frightening! I've been trapped in a flood before and it's very very frightening..
I do love the photos of the village and the forest, so gorgeous... I absolutely adore your Country!
Tammy x

nilly said...

Wonderful walk! I shall adopt your words "bitching wind" if you don't mind - I know just what you mean!

JJ said...

Nature is absolutely perfect!

Jeanie said...

What a lovely spot -- your banner captured my heart instantly! I'm sorry the weather has treated you so roughly. Here in the states it is much the same, at least where I am -- only we are dealing with cold and snow. All the best,
Jeanie (The Marmelade Gypsy)

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

I can't wait for spring! My life needs a breath of fresh air. =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

A Normandy kitchen said...

So much bad weather! Happy yo know you are on high ground! Beautiful photos...
Ivan

Willow said...

So sorry to hear of the torrents of rain.
Glad you savored the sunny day.
What beauty your forrest and countryside holds .
Such soulful trees you have pictured.
Gorgeous green stretches as well .

The Reed Warbler said...

Such beautiful pictures....and beautiful words.This is exactly how England feels for me and I just can't wait to return.Thank you for sharing, Anita xo

Vix said...

Thank goodness for a beautiful respite.
I had no idea about the weather, we never look at the net when we're away. xxx

Melanie said...

Stunning photographs and weather with a conscience, which I'm very grateful for. A quiet and moving post, thank you.