The air bites crisp this early part of the day.
Workers wrap up warm as they set out on their way.
As cyclists and joggers set the pace.
The sun has yet to grace us with its golden face.

My husband and I,
accompanied by two energetic grandchildren, whose boundless energy I envy.
Make our way to the large green fields, the children playing in a frenzy.

Here gulls, ducks and swans,
meet at the water’s edge.
Their squawks and calls,
loud and pleading to be fed.

First, the boys take the chance to play football between the rugby posts.
Their enthusiasm is to be the one that scores the most.
With grandad as the referee,
they tackle and run, laughing and shouting, that’s number “3!”

As I sit and observe from a bench, dogs run playfully and bark.
Sunday morning and families are making their way to the play park.

Families as large as four or five, walking, talking, laughing, toddlers ahead, racing on bikes and scooters.

Suddenly!
A long misguided
kick from one of our penalty shooters.

“Oh, no!”
The ball lands with a splash in the middle of the river.
Causing the water to ripple and shiver.

How will grandad get it back?
He walks
keenly following its track.

Luck is with us!
The wind changes course and blows the ball to the side.
Grandad bends and retrieves it for his boys with patience and great pride.

In the distance, trains chuff, chuff and toot, toot,
as they cross over the bridge.
I wonder where their start point was,
Scotland, London or maybe Cambridge?

Before we have reached our destination, the sun has broken through the clouds,
and the day warms.
People have increased in their numbers,
like bees multiplying in swarms.

Everyone is glad the sun has come out to play.
Jackets come off, sun cream goes on and families continue on their way.
It’s a perfectly leisurely and wonderful day.