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.
Some Favourite Websites For May 2019:
Poachers Cottage – Poacher's Cottage, Halesworth - Charming self-catering accommodation for three (plus cot) with beach hut option
A welcoming and charming one-bedroomed cottage, with space for a cot. Additional single sofa-bed. Highchair available. This cosy cottage is in a Conservation Area in a street of other interesting period cottages, yet countryside walks start opposite the front door. Stroll to the Market Place and the pedestrianised Thoroughfare. Just ten miles to the coast at Southwold where you have the option of renting a beach hut which is in the same ownership.
Woodside Barn – Skilful conversion of a Grade II listed timber-framed barn close to Aldeburgh, for up to Six
Children and well-behaved pets welcome. Downstairs bedroom with wet room. All bedrooms en-suite. WiFi. Outside space.
Rookyard Cottage, Holton – Eco-friendly self-catering cottage near Halesworth with private heated indoor swimming pool available
Set in over two acres Valley Farm offers two self-catering cottages, Rookyard Cottage and Swallow Barn, both with eco-friendly features and each sleeping up to four people + cot. Rated AA 4 Stars. WiFi. Private heated indoor swimming pool available. Ten miles from seaside at Southwold. Pets not accepted.
CICO Chimney and Fireplace Services – Taking pride in providing a perfect chimney lining and fire prevention service
As one of the largest networks of chimney lining installers in the UK, CICO chimneys offer advice and solutions to individuals and trade. Since the early 1980's CICO chimney linings have continually developed a service and product that have been approved and recognised by many professionals as well as the general public.
Symon Clarke Composer – Acclaimed 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.