The clouds bubbled And the sky sliced Through the frenzy Spilling a pale glaze Of blue. A magpie skittered Across the air, Chasing a moving shaft Of gold. Early, dusty warmth Began to blow From the horizon And on a battlement Its ancient granite eaten with Yellow and green lichen A tall girl gazed Out. Her fingers Gripped the stone, her face Hardened in anticipation As she felt more than saw The distant flash Of silver armour Lance her eye.next poem