8th May, 2026
Marcus Clark stayed on retreat with us in November and was inspired to write this poem after participating in early morning walks.
He said: "I find it easy to get the inspiration to write poems in the nurturing environment at Sharpham."
He added: "Thanks to Jo for finding out the names of the tree & flower in the poem - I wanted to give them their proper names before sending the poem."
"I've also got a poem in process for my most recent Spring retreat. I might have to book some more retreats so I can write poems for Summer & Winter at Sharpham too!"
The drops of dew on the grass,
glistening like thousands of tiny jewels.
The raucous, gravelly call of the crow.
The beautiful, sweet melody of the robin.
The single strand of a cobweb strung between two leaves in a tree,
shimmering in the early morning sun.
The surprise & delight at discovering the walled gardens.
Standing in awe at the vivid yellow leaves of the Cherry tree.
An oak leaf spinning rapidly, yet falling slowly.
The rowers on the river Dart – their oars rhythmically lapping the water
but the effort behind them somewhat incongruous with their surroundings.
The long, thin sword-like leaves of the Montbretia flower frantically flapping around in the barely detectable breeze
when all the other leaves were still.
Perhaps a reminder of how frantic our minds can become with just the slightest of provocations.
The moon gracefully withdrawing against the vivid blue sky.
The mist, slowly drifting across the valley in absolutely no hurry whatsoever.
Each moment a curiosity.
Each moment a joy.
Each moment a moment of aliveness and a gratitude that I am fully present for these sacred moments in time.
© Marcus Clark, November 2025. Inspired by nature on our early morning walks.