Wetlands in Devon
by Annie Jenkin

Boots echo
on a raised wooden platform
passing brackish water
as smooth as satin
amid mounds of leggy, damp grasses.

A dirt path wends its way
behind the shimmer and rattle
of reeds and rushes
shouldering the shore
of an inland wetland.

Pussywillows are waiting
to burst their buds,
as does the sycamore, ash,
and holly, with hazel trees
the choice of dormice to nest.

A flock of finches raid
thistles and teasels,
and a dozen ducks quack
to celebrate their landing,
then dive for fish and snails.

Whilst the elegant
plumage of swans glide,
oblivious to the noise
of a screeching water rail,
and grasshopper warblers.

As sunlight glints
on ruffled water,
a sedate egret
slowly strides the waters edge,
waiting for the days to grow longer.


 

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