healingwords: poetry for the soul

Stopping for a picnic on the road from Loughcrew to Galway, mesmerised by the slow drifting of clouds. 

I could lie and watch forever the movement of the clouds and changing skies. The Carrascal range overlooking the village creates its own weather, clouds tumbling over the ridge, steaming from the hillsides, blowing down the valley, lit by the setting sun. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful view from my bedroom window to keep me connected to the natural world.  © 2020 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

The 'El Carrascal' range overlooking the village has its own particular weather system. Clouds can build up on the ridge and tumble over or as it did yesterday, rise swirling from the hills like steam from the rock. The morning was cold and damp but once the sun broke through it was strong enough to strip off layers and warm winter bones.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

I was reminded of Turner skies when driving from the coast inland to the village. The sky was an ever changing canvas of cloud, sun and incredible colours which only an artist like Turner would have a chance of capturing. The scale of blues was later tinged with rose pinks as the sun set and I was thankful for the beauty that surrounds us.  © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.  

I have had to spend more time than I would like resting, grateful for my third floor view over the valley, the hills and the changing skies. These spectacular clouds at dusk lasted minutes, before the light disappeared and tinges of pink and gold lightened the night sky.   © 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved

There will never be enough words to describe the colours found in nature. Having grown up with holidays by wild northern seas, I can find the Mediterranean a little tranquil but its gentle waves and deep blues calm a restless soul. 

Two years now since we left Dad's quiet funeral and walked in the frosty woods, catching falling leaves which blew around us like shining stars. Today whilst driving towards the village,  loss and death on my mind, this angel cloud appeared. Just a cloud but it made me smile and lifted the melancholy. This short poem reflects looking forward with hope.  IN THE CLOUDS Wisps of angel white drift in  sky  the colour of her Irish eyes, rising between peaks dripping gold with the last flare of setting sun slipping over the Sierra, hilltop homes embraced by feathered wings floating slowly into strong hands, holding me, lifted skywards, forever safe.  © 2018 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved.