One blustering winters night, when the trees folded over in a stormy gale
A young hare struggling to make her way, tripped on a tree root and fell forwards into a hole
Down and down she tumbled, into a dusty place of lost and ancient things
She landed with a bump on a large old book covered in moss and twine
Ever so slowly she opened the heavy cover and the pages began to flutter

Millions of tiny glowing stars burst from the book throwing back her long velvet ears
As she blinked her eyes against the brightest of golden lights spinning all around her
She could just make out the shape of a huge Snowbear walking towards her through the swirling light
He appeared like a glittering wish, a sweet dream half remembered
Sparkling frosted light and snowflakes fluttered behind him as he approached

His fur was the crispest white of snowy mountains and streaks of gold shimmed from within his skin
He looked at her with kind chestnut eyes that twinkled with honey gold flecks
“I am the guardian of the book” he softly spoke, “what do you seek little one”?
Shyly she lowered her eyes and shuffled her feet, “I wish for a friend” she whispered

His face broke into a glittering smile, “I have such wonderous sights to show you”
She took his paw which was wonderfully warm and gentle, and they flew into the book
Snowflakes and golden letters spun wildly past them as they tumbled through the pages
Out they burst under a dark velvet starry sky, floating down landing with a soft crunch on the snow
Little Hare gasped as she looked around at the beautiful world she found herself in

There were snow covered mountains and lakes, forests and ice castles in the distance
“Shall we take a ride”? asked Snowbear, scooping her up onto his glittering furry back
“Woohoo!” she cried as he took off from the ground and flew high, he actually flew!
They soared over the gleaming frozen lake and waved at penguins and sealions
As they swished through the tree tops she reached out and felt the tickle of the pine needles on her paw
She felt such warmth in her heart, she was on an adventure and she had her very own Snowbear! x

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Snow Bear and the Magic Book Magnet appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

Today I quietly crept down to the riverbank on the grassy fen
A tangle of twisted tree branches hides the entrance to a den
Cool fresh water flows through the silky green rushes and weeds
It is here I found the happiest of homes nestled behind the reeds
For it is filled with a family of river otters about to emerge
I sit perfectly still behind a bush on the verge

Here they come! Scampering down the sandy bank excitedly
Mum, with pup in mouth approaches the water very carefully
In she swims for pups first lesson on how to use his webbed feet
Diving under and up again the love and care she shows is so sweet
Such an affectionate group of otters they just want to have fun
Splashing each other with squeals of delight in the golden summer sun

I laugh as they romp on the land, rolling around and chasing each other playfully
then quickly jump back into the river steering with silky long tails so gracefully
Their love is clear from the sense of fun and affection they openly display
Cuddling and grooming each other they cling together throughout the day
Such a wonderful afternoon I had watching them all so happily
For to be an otter means it is utterly otterly all about family.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

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Can you remember meeting your first Bumblebee?
I was playing hide and seek, balancing up a tree
Hands clamped over my mouth trying not to make a sound
When suddenly there was a gentle humming and buzzing all around

I let out a shriek as something huge flew in my face
I slipped and fell in the dirt tearing my dress of lace
What was that strange and rather scary thing?
I had to find out before the dinner bell would ring

It didn’t take me long before I heard a gentle hum
There on a thistle he hovered with a gorgeous fluffy bum
Such dainty silky wings just about holding him steady
A fluffy fuzz of friendliness dangling and leggy

I laughed as he squeezed into the throat of a foxglove
Greedy for the taste of sweet golden nectar waiting above
I now plant my own garden full of all their favourite flowers
I believe they sprinkle good wishes with each passing hour

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

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Deep in the heart of the Cotswolds stands a thatched cottage on Daisy Dale Farm
In summer the pink roses cover the entrance greeting visitors with undeniable charm
They come for the fresh speckled golden eggs that Mrs Potts sells from the garden gate
Her juicy pork pies and pear and ginger crumble are famous at the local country fete
Married after the war, a simple farm life was what they both had in their hearts
Life was hard back then but with love and kindness they got through a difficult start
Even though farming life is hard, Farmer Potts is more laidback than you might think
For his grandfather taught him the secret, he knows happy cows produce the best milk
So, with this knowledge in mind, Daisy Dale was always destined to be filled with milking cows
So, in the first light of dawn the farmer heads to the barn fulfilling his early morning vow
“Good Morning ladies!” He calls with joy in his heart as many black and white heads come into view
“Moo!” They greet him happily, jostling themselves into position they know just what to do
As the ladies line up, he attaches the milkers letting them know its time to let the milk flow
Whistling as he works, calling the cows in turn as they happily run in and clattering out, they go
Filling the jars with their delicious warm milk, some of which goes to their calf’s eager young bellies
After hours of work the farmer heads off for his breakfast grateful to remove his wellies
The cows moo contentedly as they head out to the pastures to enjoy a good natter and a graze
Plenty of time to eat before they are milked again and then enjoy the suns afternoon haze
Slowly another day passes and the farmer heads indoors as stars begin to twinkle overhead
Their busy farming life fills them with contentment as the Potts drift off silently in their cosy bed
Outside the graceful resident Barn Owl hoots as he sits in the rafters of the old dairy barn
Watching over the lovely ladies as they settle down for another peaceful night on Daisy Dale Farm

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

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As night fell the woodland was bathed in shimmering silver moonlight
A young pheasant suddenly croaked out a strangled noise in fright
He had been creeping timidly through undergrowth hardly daring to breath
As a strange haunting sound terrified him echoing through the ancient trees

Scared of the dark he wasn’t very brave of that there was no doubt
In fact, everything seemed to make him jump, his eyes wildly darting about
Screeeech! There it was again like a wailing scream, what creature could this be?
He froze and closed his beady eyes tight shut, maybe it was best not to see

Trembling he felt a gust of wind so strong it almost brought him to his knees
He opened his eyes and there was a giant white owl with eyes black as inky sea
Instead of fleeing the young pheasant found himself oddly feeling still
Those eyes looked deep into him and he felt only their kind goodwill

A friendship was struck between them, a silent gentleman’s pact
The wise owl would bestow on the young pheasant the courage that he lacked
The pheasant would watch over the owl in the day so that he could slumber without fear
And so, no harm came to either of them and their friendship deepened year after year.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

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Sunrise lights the lake ablaze with fiery bright birds
Splashing around in their funny courtship dance
When you are blessed with the colour of neon pink
Its best not to take things too seriously really
So, heads up ladies and ruffle that tutu proudly
For we are the totally fabulous flamingoes
And no-one does flamboyance quite like we do
So, smile, shine and sparkle in every way
And have yourself a fabulous flamingo day!!

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Pretty in Pink Magnet appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

There is little to rival the wilds of the welsh mountain range they say
From its craggy heights down through the softer peaks and winding pathways
Way up in the harsh highest peaks the hardy sheep huddle and keep warm
Thunder rumbles through the darkening sky, here comes a heavy rainstorm

“Come on” yells the shepherd gathering his herd down towards the tracks
Clattering of hooves on the stones as they run ahead avoiding all the cracks
As they are halfway down a thick silvery fog hangs heavily in the air
Owain struggles to see his friend and worry soon turns to fear, as she’s not there

Clambering back up the tracks Owain can’t see and soon finds himself all alone
Pointing his ears forwards he bleats for Gwen, where up here would she roam?
As an intelligent breed with sensitive ears, he suddenly hears a faint sound
Pressing ahead he finds her nearby, with her foot stuck in a rocky mound

Through the hammering rain he nudges her foot free with tenderness and care
Rubbing each other’s noses in relief they are a loyal and affectionate pair
Happily sheltering under an oak tree the wise branches protecting overhead
This is their way of life; they are proud welsh mountain sheep born and bred.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Owain and Gwen Magnet appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Mischief Magnet appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

Farmer Toby pulled into Green Acre Farm with his shiny new tractor he’d collected from town
Stretching his back he jumped out and went in for his coffee leaving the engine to cool down
As the door opened a large fluffy bumblebee came bursting through relieved to be out of there
Free at last from the stuffy heat he was so pleased to get out into the fresh morning air

The accidental traveller realised he was far from home and somewhere completely new
The city noise and bustle had been replaced by quiet fields of flowers and rich green hues
Feeling a presence, Bee looked down to see a lopsided panting grin and a mop of brown hair
Such a happy face with a madly wagging tail the young dog seemed delighted to welcome Bee there

“Welcome to the country! I’m Jess, “laughed the excited dog, “Let me show you around the farm”
Buzzing happily alongside him Bee instantly liked the dog’s easy and friendly charm
First, they went around the back of the farmhouse where Jess led Bee to a rickety old wooden shed
“This is where the chickens sleep, my job is to guard them while they sleep in their comfy straw beds”

I’m quicker than the foxes! She barked full of energy running to the fields, Bee spread his wings to take chase
“Here are all the sheep and cattle, I move them around the fields and keep them calm and safe”
“There’s always lots to do” she said with pride, “I watch over the animals and the farm both night and day”
The Farmer works very hard but he always makes time to let me fetch a ball and play”

The farmer walked past and patted Jess’s head, saying “Good girl, I’ve got a bone for you to chew”
Beaming with happiness she asked “So will you stay Bee? We could have so much fun me and you”
Laughing at his new friends’ infectious energy Bee looked around him and happily just knew
Resting on a cornflower he smiled, “I think this simple country life suits me, Jess, yes I really do.”

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Jess and Bee Magnet appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

In a box laid with straw Clara swayed this way and that feeling blessed at her good luck
Clattering along the bumpy country lanes in the back of the farmers old truck
She was on her way to Buttercup Farm free at last from the noisy battery pens
Fields of lush green to roam free there is no nicer place to live if you are a hen
As the days passed, she was welcomed into the coop although Clara felt a bit shy
The country was very quiet and she struggled to sleep no matter how hard she tried
After many restless nights looking at the moon Clara’s problem became clear
Poor Clara hadn’t laid a single egg and her heart became gripped in fear
The farmer had taken notice and each day shook his head at her in dismay
The other girls awkwardly looked at each other a bit unsure what to say
Each morning she was so exhausted and no egg would come out
The other girls clucked and laid wondering what the fuss was all about
Clara was so worried she rolled the other eggs into a bush hoping that nobody saw
She found an old straw hat and hid some eggs under there by the barn door
She didn’t want to get the other girls in trouble but what else could she do?
If she was the only one not laying the farmer might end up putting her in a stew
Then a terrible storm blew in hammering rain and lightning flashing angrily across the sky
Thunder boomed so loudly the chickens started to panic thinking they would surely die
Suddenly a loud crack brought a tree crashing down into the coop blocking the door
Chickens flew everywhere covered in mud unable to see panicking them even more
Instinctively Clara pecked at the wire creating a hole and calmed all the hens down
This way! she cried herding them all together and one by one guiding them around
She led them safely to the barn where they huddled in the straw pile shaken from their ordeal
Thanking her they stuck together through the night with love and warmth Clara could truly feel
Exhausted and content she finally drifted off to sleep nodding her little head
As rays of sunlight woke her, she looked down in surprise at a perfect brown speckled egg
She finally had laid her treasure, such a beautiful sight the very thing for which she had longed
All she needed was a storm, a good night’s sleep and a feeling that she belonged.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

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