Under the Golden Eye of the Sun (June Solstice '24)

In the morning  the Atlantic Ocean roared like a lion that proclaimed its strength to the encroaching summer. And as it spiralled  day stretched its body through the multi-toned air.

Summer colours rolled through spheres struck by light. They lanced the air that delivered cut glass popping blows as cawing birds tasted the heat rising from their beating wings. Wings that chopped through the hue. Wings that rinsed silver shards through vibrant blues as on the strand the ocean tasted the chaos that bore down where light crystals drove the happy light.

And on the shore  trees  bushes and grasses shimmied and shivered as the wind moaned:

"Rest in peace rest in peace!
Spring! rest in peace."

But Spring had departed and in its wake whispers formed a chorus. And like a lullaby of scraping leaves branches that bowed in bending grace spoke solace as life-like dreams divided and merged where small birds dived for cover; their bodies outlined in grey and wrapped in blue tones that momentarily faded  before being trapped in mercurial favour.

The hour offered little sweetness to savour as day absorbd the fleeting beaten living sparks of dust and clay.

Such was the time in this solstice day  until birds stitched the sky to the horizon. To all land and sea-borders that intertwined and collected our thoughts. And all else that was made by you and me.

Their wings wove tales of old and new  some details pulled through from other times  but most branded anew. They cast shadows that danced upon the earth - a fleeting fresco laid.

An overture of beauty then presented items to fill the empty spaces where night patterns the blue  near where stars are born.

Then when the moon gilded the night  the lions' roar was in tune with all of natures’ might.


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Mari Fitzpatrick

Donana Nature Reserve
Cabanas de Tavira  Portugal  Summer 2024