A Refuge is ... (Abdriged Version)

A Refuge is ...
This is the abridged version of a longer poem we wrote for National Poetry Day in 2023.
You can read the full version here. 

A refuge is
The sound of wind in the hills and raindrops on the trees
And of birds singing in the summer.
It is the sound of children playing, people laughing,
And of my mother’s voice
A refuge is the sound of songs and of silence.

A refuge is
The taste of warm milk late at night and buttery porridge in the morning
And of sweet, silky honey and freshly-baked bread.
It is the taste of meals shared with friends,
And of wiggly noodles slipping over my tongue
A refuge is the taste of British cake and a cup of tea.

A refuge is
The sight of a blanket of snow, making everything white and clean and silent
And of all the greens of nature in the spring
It is the sight of stepping off a train in a familiar place,
And of a friend’s face after a long absence.
A refuge is the sight of the first rays of morning sunlight banishing the night.

A refuge is
The smell of woodsmoke and sweet strawberries,
And of a garden filled with lavender.
It is the smell of freshly prepared coffee,
And my dad’s mint tea.
A refuge is the smell of my mother’s welcoming kitchen.

A refuge is
The feel of a snuggly blanket on a cold winter’s night,
And of water splashing on my feet and the sand between my toes.
It is the feel of fresh, clean pillows under my head,
And of my tummy aching from real laughter.
A refuge is the feel of a hug holding me tight.

I have found my refuge 
It is a place where I feel I belong.


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