"The Rich Blackbird"

Beans in Blossom 

The south-west wind! how pleasant in the face
It breathes! while, sauntering in a musing pace,
I roam these new ploughed fields; or by the side
Of this old wood, where happy birds abide,
And the rich blackbird, through his golden bill,
Utters wild music when the rest are still.
Luscious the scent comes of the blossomed bean,
As o'er the path in rich disorder lean
Its stalks; when bees, in busy rows and toils,
Load home luxuriantly their yellow spoils.
The herd-cows toss the molehills in their play;
And often stand the stranger's steps at bay,
Mid clover blossoms red and tawny white,
Strong scented with the summer's warm delight.


John Clare


No time for proper togging today. I snapped this unmistakeable silhouette of Blackie by the garden gate. It's true that birds have a jizz, a term used by birders to describe the overall impression or appearance. I think I know where Blackie is building.


So looking forward to smelling the luscious scent of the blossomed bean. I love driving the Roding lanes in a convertible car on summer evenings drinking in the legume perfume.