New Year Birds

 New Year birds


It’s still the cool mid Winter

But the birds have decided

That spring has just arrived

So they sing with  great cheer. 


In the trees above Shankill

In the hills beyond the sea

Climbing towards the mountains

On the paths that lead to peace. 


We leave behind the busy road

With heavy traffic going south

Ten minutes brings us to the start

Of woodland paths and scenic routes. 


Down below us lies the city

Busy, busy with its duties

Up above the scent of nature

And beyond - the old Lead Mines. 


The pale winter sun barely rises

Above trees in Rathmichael Woods

Climbing ahead the forest path leads

To a place that overlooks the Bay. 


Often we travelled on green Raleigh bikes

Out of the town and into the mountains. 

The freedom of the sixties spent freely 

Cycling from Churchtown down country lanes. 


We look back today on the times of our youth

Capturing memories, some black and some white

Grateful for days spent in the sun

Happy to witness the joy and the fun. 


Both worlds colliding, the old and new, 

The elders retiring, passing the baton,

The New Year arrives,

The world matches on.

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