Severe weather warning

After days of faltering orange

down comes the drear

quick as a fit

rinsing cattle, turbines, whole villages

in bloodless pastels.

Only the red fox

eyes grinning, tongue-flopped

as he lollops by

makes reference to the copper rods

welded to my knuckles.

Days, cold and ceaseless, shiver

like small dogs,

gods mumble in an arbitrary way –

Bring down the rains again, I hear them say.

A cherished award

I feel very privileged to announce that I have just been awarded the Liebster Blog award from one of my favourite bloggers, the very talented poet Louise Hastings at http://wingsoverwaters.wordpress.com/. Sincere thanks Louise ~ it is a wonderful gesture & I truly appreciate it.

The Liebster Blog Award originated in Germany (Liebster means “favourite” or “dearest” in German) In accepting this award, the recipient agrees to:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks for the award and let them know.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people in the Blogsphere.
5. And, lastly – have fun and spread the karma!

OK ~ so here goes for my five nominations in no particular order:

Abigail Baker - @The_Linnet A rapidly emerging poet whose poetry is loaded with insight and emotion. Each & every time I read one of Abi’s poems I am captivated by the subtle messages that unfold … always wrapped in the most beautiful language http://phoenixofthelinnet.wordpress.com/

Will Senior - @WilSenior Will’s blog is a sensitive combination of his personal experiences of and insights into the psychotherapeutic process. And if you search hard enough you will also discover some real poetic gems hiding among his postings, not to mention his stunning photography http://inpsychotherapy.org/

Julie Swindel - @Membrane7 Julie’s blog is a rich mixture of her wonderful artwork and the life experiences that have influenced it. I hope she won’t mind me saying that, owing to her work/study commitments & hectic family life, she struggles to find time to post but … when she does post they are absolutely intriguing & exploding with colour http://membrane7.blogspot.com/

Shan Ellis - @Awdures Anyone who knows Shan will be aware that she always ‘tells it as it is!’ Her poetry reflects her forthright approach and her poems tremble with power and emotion. My immediate reaction after reading one of Shan’s poems is always: ‘WOW!’ http://repressedsoul.wordpress.com/

Heidi David - @HeidiDavid Writing as her alter ego, Madame Paradox, Heidi has produced an absolutely memorable blog full of the most amusing & captivating posts.  She is the author of an as yet unpublished novel - The Flying Jewel - which, if justice is done, will have pride of place on my bookshelves one day soon http://madameparadox.com/

I could, of course, have nominated forever but was restricted to just five people. To everyone who visits my blog & to all my friends & followers on twitter: I really do love you all.