Midsummer Day
“Such a day it was as – looking back –
imbues a whole Summer’s memories with warmth
and places a gold overlay on all grey.
Larks lifted at my feet
and climbed, cascading sound, to vanishing point
in faded denim skies.
Foals like glossy chestnuts newly split
lay fallen in their mothers’ shadows
and lizards flickered the furze through.
At length the river valley wound below for respite,
where moorland cattle, unkempt in dark brown habits,
bowed their heads around a granite cross
and grazed by beneficial waters.
Nor moved when I approached, but by their gaze
defied me not to join their worship there.”
Richard Lovis, Unitarian lay leader, quoted in Fragments of Holiness for Daily Reflection
Chorlton Unitarians 