First day of Spring,gleam of Ladyday
on the Severn, coiling beneath greenfleeced Wrekin.

At Leighton hedgebanks
freshly set with primrose clusters,
sharp spears of leavestightly furled, piercing
into the light, into clarity
of rain-rinsed air. Here burgeons
the song of returning migrants

ringing from tall trees
reaching every recess
greeting the child on the threshold.

Born into her heritage –
nature’s green-gold gates
flung wide.