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 April 2024:

Lighthouse ViewSuperb Southwold self-catering cottage for four

Lighthouse View in Southwold is a comfortable and welcoming holiday cottage sleeping four in two bedrooms. This early-Victorian cottage is in the very heart of this attractive coastal town and the front door it is just yards from the promenade and sea.

Logs Logs LogsFamily Firm delivering kiln dried logs to Norfolk and Suffolk, including Norwich, Diss and Woodbridge

Logs available in tipper loads and bulk bags for wood burning stoves, open fires and pizza ovens. In addition supplying firewood in bulk bags to Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and beyond.

Cranbourne, WalberswickLuxury Self Catering cottage on the Heritage Coast with it's own swimming pool

Cranbourne is tucked in a peaceful corner of Manor Close with the excellent village shop nearby and central to Walberswick making all the attractions within easy walking. A heated outdoor swimming pool for summer use is protected by a lockable gate. Without detracting from the house in any way, Cranbourne unobtrusively includes features enabling less mobile visitors to equally enjoy their stay.

Hare Lodge Self CateringTwo expansive but affordable pet friendly Self Catering

Two New England-style barn conversions at Hare Lodge in Peasenhall. Tastefully decorated with relaxation in mind and a comfortable sitting room, country kitchen and downstairs shower room.

Juliet Penwarden CoachingJuliet Penwarden Coaching - Horse riding and care

Juliet is an experienced and qualified coach who places a strong emphasis on harmony between horse and rider and takes great pleasure in helping partnerships progress, whatever their goals.