With spring now well and truly underway, the countryside is full of new life and growth. Cheerful longer and brighter days encourage exploring the wonderful Suffolk countryside.

Poem by Richard Maslen:
Iron Angel - Blythburgh

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Poem by Richard Maslen:
Iron Angel - Blythburgh

Iron Angel - Blythburgh

Outside a hidden foundry
The iron angel drew me to her
Magnetic gaze,
Empty eyes fastened on mine.

Metal feathers so finely beaten,
Their cold, hard touch
A surprise.
Looking soft and warm,
I could almost hear
Adjustments of feathers,
Preening and shaking
Into alignment,
Into place

Uncoloured,
Natural rusting and tempering
Had given the angel sheens,
Brown, silver, grey and rust red.
Yet I cannot truly say
What colours they were
Probably a heavenly mix
Of shading, of grading
Too fine for me,
Too difficult to place the words
Accurately.

Set up near the great church,
I imagine its wings
Spread golden in a setting sun,
Its empty eyes fixed on me
As I stand and gaze

Remembering
My first vision,
My first amazed gasp.
The feathered wings,
Then as now,
About to wrap me within them.
Pulling me close,
Stopping my breath,
Closing my eyes.

Richard has also written an article about The Blythburgh Angel and how it was created.

Back to the Richard Maslen Poem List

Some Favourite Websites For March 2024:

The Halesworth Pet StoreSpecialists in Animal Nutrition and Pet Care

Visit our shop or take advantage of our Free Local Delivery Service! We are experts in animal nutrition, catering for all quantities – from small bags to bulk deliveries amd we are happy to help with all of your requirements

Pub StopsHalesworth or Darsham Pub-Stops Guide

This web site is a light hearted attempted to travel the local rail network, from Halesworth or Darsham, stopping at fine pubs and where possible encouraging similar real ale loving folks to do likewise!

Lomax Antique FairsSouthwold Spring Antique Fair 29th - 31st March 2024

Lomax Antique fairs attract exceptional dealers able to offer an eclectic mix of items at prices suited to both new and established collectors - their exhibitors are both welcoming and knowledgeable. Fair is at St. Felix School, Reydon

1 Little Dingle CottagesSelf-catering accommodation for up to twelve people

This country cottage stands between Dunwich Forest and Dingle Marshes. Apart from the adjacent cottage it is quite isolated, being a mile from Dunwich village. Surrounded by open countryside, marshes, reedbeds and forest. Several major nature reserves are close by, with wildlife and birds to be seen on or near the property. Walks from the cottage. Parking. Pets by arrangement.

Symon Clarke ComposerAcclaimed classic and ensemble music

Symon Clarke has composed acclaimed music for a wide range of classical ensembles and soloists and created a body of original music for Javanese and Balinese gamelan. His works have been played by well-known performers around the UK and abroad.