Hi folks!
I am very lucky to live in the south west of England, a place rich with history and folklore and an abundance of beautiful wildlife. One of my favourite things to go and see at this time of year is a starling murmuration. I have a secret spot I’ve found is a little bit special because its not where the starlings roost, its where they gather before heading off to bed. That means I get to see thousands of these magical creatures flying like confetti on the wind, landing in trees and fields until enough of them gather and head off to roost. It can be truly breathtaking. The sound of thousands of chirping voices raised in chatter and the instant silence as they all lift from the trees in harmony, flying over my head as I stand in the shadow of Avalon watching, eyes wide and peace in my soul. The sound of their wings is that of the sea lapping upon a pebble shore, the rush of feathers the sound of the ocean air drifting over shingle. It is truly magical. I took this video, you can find the link below. It was such a beautiful sight I have written a little verse about it.
Starling Inspiration Video
The Shifting Seasons of Avalon
There was once a land, abundant with luscious greenery. Water ran in still streams through the meadows, rushes danced along their shores, and swans nested amongst the reeds. The air smelled of apples, and deer pranced across the plains in joyful peace. This was the realm of Avalon, a place where time stood still and magic seeped from the soil.
Centuries passed in harmony, in perpetual summer under a golden sun. Evenings were balmy and mornings fresh with dew, as Avalon remained untouched by time.
But nothing lasts forever.
For beyond Avalon’s shimmering veil, a war waged through the world. Great factories coughed plumes of smoke into the once-clear sky and guns exploded in showers of sulphur. Trees were cut down in their prime and vast swathes of land turned from green gardens to grey graveyards. The world was changing, and before long, Avalon felt its effects. The sky clouded and the evenings grew colder. Rain fell in great droplets and the small streams broke their banks, overflowing into the meadows beyond, turning them into a vast bog.
Summer passed for the first time. A chill crept into the air and fragile leaves fell from the trees, now cast in shades of rust. Life began to wilt.
Yet the land was still abundant. The wildlife adapted. New birds and beasts flocked to the newly marshy land, while others retreated to areas of woodland, at a distance and safe from the rivulets that now split the land, safe under the canopy of trees. Soon enough all found happiness in their new golden world.
Until winter came. The waters iced over and snow blanketed the land. The trees were bare and fruit sparse, and all struggled to find warmth and sustenance. They looked to one another for comfort and strength, finding new friendships among those they shared their home with. No one was alone, and though the winter was tough, love persisted, bringing with it its own light and warmth. And just when they thought the cold would never end, small white flowers burst from the snow in little white droplets, and the air began to warm if only a fraction and the days slowly lengthened.
The trees were still bare but now they had new hope and new decoration. Flocks of small black birds with iridescent wings perched upon the cold branches, warming the trees as their leaves once had. The trees felt alive again, with new leaves that now sang, the chorus of chimes echoing across the landscape, heralding the coming of spring, a season of hope and warmth and new life. The birds reminded the trees of their old leaves, and as they flew away, they left green buds in their wake, the trees remembering how to grow thanks to their new singing leaves. The birds went from tree to tree in great twisting ribbons, so grand and so intricate that every creature in Avalon couldn’t help but gaze up at them, cast in jewel tones in the sky as the sun began to set. And the birds kept travelling, from tree to tree until every one in Avalon had felt their life, their hope and their song. Every creature in Avalon had watched them dance. Like a dandelion blowing in the breeze, they flew across the meadow marshes, spreading joy and peace in their wake.
For spring was coming, and they had all survived.
Spring was coming and they had learned so many new things, made so many new friends and could now appreciate the good times. For without struggle, and without hardship, the beauty and the goodness of the world do not seem quite so great. But if you can still see the light, even amid the darkness, you have the strongest heart of all.
Peace and love
Olive xx
Ahh this is beautiful 😍 I'm fascinated by Arthurian legend!