Tuesday 24 June 2008

A Hay Meadow in June

I can remember my mother stopping the car one day.

"Some people have never seen a hay meadow
on a perfect June afternoon of sunshine.

Let's stay for a while"


And so we leaned on the gate,
watching the tractor

and breathing the sweet fragrance
of clover and buttercup.

"Don't ever take it for granted" she said.

18 comments:

blackbird said...

What we mustn't take for granted is the part about our mother's showing us these things.
My mother used to wake me for snow so we could watch it falling silently in the moonlight.

LisaAnn said...

What a wonderful memory. I will always remember a summer day when my mother and I stopped and rested in field of wild flowers.

dottycookie said...

We're lucky enough to live in a village surrounded by farmland and meadows,and to have tractors and horses travelling past our front door every day.

(You'll notice I have glossed over the lorries from the welding factory that is so sensibly located here too)

driftwood said...

childhood memories are so precious.

Unknown said...

Just about sums up an English summer I guess, my mum always used to watch the lightning with us out of the window during thunderstorms and take us for blustery walks when it was extremely windy. My kids will probably remember me for walking with my face turned up to the sky when you get that very fine drizzle - I always call it sherbert rain as that's what it feels like as it sizzles on your upturned face

Mary said...

I am hoping the kids will look back on our time in the mountains and have this kind of special memory of their mother!

Rather than the car raging mother on the way to school!

Anonymous said...

The simplest of moments can bring the most joy.

fifi said...

and now, you have showed me.

I had never seen a hay meadow in june, and I like it very very much.

Gina said...

Beautiful hay meadow, beautiful day... beautiful memories.

Marmadaisy said...

My parents used to open the front door of our council estate house during thunderstorms and it was the closest we ever got to communing with nature. Now, we are lucky enough to OWN 2 meadows (and some other land) although we don't make hay - when the sun is shining or otherwise. The farmers both sides of us do though. Thank you for reminding me how lucky I am.

Anonymous said...

I love the smell of newly cut hay. It brings back so many memories of my farm upbringing. It is everywhere here. Everytime I go out I see a new hayfield being cut. I LOVE living in the country. :)

Anonymous said...

What a wise mum. I take it allergies are not a concern in your family? :)

Ali said...

Aaaaachoooo! My mother taught me how to raid cornfields for wheat to make into harvest decorations. Similar? P'raps not.

Anonymous said...

how gorgeous. I sometimes I wonder what my children will remember...

(and your dog looks a lot like mine)

Anonymous said...

Oh, look at that sky! I know just what that feels like ...

julie said...

Mothers have the best advice. Thanks for passing it on.

BreadBox said...

(Takes a deep breath) I can almost smell the hay from here...
N.

Curlew Country said...

Oh I so agree. One of the highlights of the year I'd say!
Stephx