04. Eairy Dam

The Eairy Dam lies chill, its surface flecked

Into sharp ripples by the breeze.  Reeds sway

Ever so slightly where they stand erect,

Red-coated soldiers in martial array

Where the long beams of westering sunlight play.

Now russet grey the bosom of the pond

With ruby jets and jabs of gifded spary

That chop and churn against the bank.  Beyond,

A row of cottages, a shop, appear,

Deserted chapel, modern villas red.

Laughter of children falls upon the ear

Like vestper bells before they go to bed.

And far below, in depths the light has fled,

Shines the pale evening star in waters clear.