Joie De Vivre

Upon a whim arising on this sunny springtime morn hearing birds perform their songs at the crack of dawn my knapsack packed already with a tasty picnic lunch bread with cheese and wine oh such a scrumptious tasty brunch so full of joie de vivre am I for the day ahead a slow ascent upon the bus as we reach *Beachy Head then on to Belle Tout lighthouse where I alight instead for on this glorious sunny day in springtime sunshine I’ll make hay Catching the light in stripes red and white warning all mariners of dangers at night a beacon of hope in a cobalt blue sea her beam shining out majestically Meandering gently nature's gifts I espy a host of golden cowslips as if sprinkled from the sky perchance if Wordsworth had beheld such beauty as have I his host of golden daffs would have a rival for to vie wafting gently in the breeze their lemon coloured blooms a more stunning sight is seldom seen on sunny afternoons I wander through the woodlands approaching Birling Gap uneven ground negotiated, avoiding a mishap then I espy the smallest orchid I have ever seen with purple blooms and spotty leaves exquisite flowers I could gaze for hours secreted for her own protection her subliminal message for all… ‘Please do not disturb me as you stand here to observe me for my beauty - my shape - my hue and please leave me in situ, for all who pass just like you as they pause awhile admiring the view’ Written April 2019 Contest Strand any form any theme Sponsor Brian Strand 1st PLACE *At 152 metres Beachy Head is the highest of Britain’s chalk sea cliffs, attracting nearly half a million visitors each year. The name ‘Beachy Head’ is believed to be a corruption of the original French, meaning ‘beautiful headland’. Some of the flora and fauna to be found at Beachy Head are purple and bee orchids, bluebells, primroses, cowslips, oxslips and hedgerows crowned in white - baby lambs and wild seas and so much more - just stunning!