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Summers Then

 

Summer days were longer then

we played outside all day, 

not tempted by alluring screens 

or interfering strangers.

The buddleia next door 

brought brightly coloured butterflies:

red admirals, tortoiseshells, and more

with names we didn’t know.

Without fear of predators,

innocent and confident,

though on display and vulnerable,

playing in the sun.

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Wine of the Month– Pinot Noir 

 

At twenty pounds a bottle you can't go wrong:
it's predictable, but can pack surprises.
Hints of hibiscus with raspberry lurking, 
it's elegant and silkily smooth.

If you're tempted by this charming wine
but can't quite afford twenty quid,
there's a food bank special at Trashco this week: 
only five pounds forty-nine.

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Simon Haines © 2023