19th July 2022
Baler and tedder, they came in haste
With the heavy morning already rumblously echoing
Over the sea to our south-west,
And radar forward-plotting weights of rain come noon.
Agéd cabless Massey, roller baler rig Goliath alongside,
Steadily around the paddock backdropped by massing clouds,
Surely both glad of dust-dispersing breeze;
Until, from clear sky overhead, with still a good few rows left,
Rain!
But, no: only a scatter of large drops –
For that huge vapour edifice, louder than upstairs furniture,
Was swinging south of us, seemingly drawn
Towards the haze-distanced Haven;
Then, as it talled beyond Trewarren,
Some other impulse steered it northwards,
Back onto the course we had expected…
Even farmers are lucky sometimes.
This afternoon,
With every gossamer remnant cloud dispersed,
Air as warm and sun as strong again as yesterday:
All indoor chores through-hurried,
Down to the cooling sea.
© Christopher Jessop 2022
