Tower and Town, April 2016 (view the full edition)Sunrise On The KennetThe warm glow of the sun crept over the grass. The surface of the Kennet shimmered like a twinkling star on a summer's night. During the cool night, small dewdrops had formed on the grass, and a mist hung lazily over the river. Elegant bird songs rung through the wood as if a church bell in a village. Some feathers from the birds floated to the ground and landed softly on the water. The water gently lapped at the sandy shore, soaking the sand. The riverbed was perfectly still and all the sunlight flooded in, showing the rays of light in the water and dark shadows of the trout in the early morning, swimming and splashing about amongst the rocks and pebbles. A slight breeze rustled the leaves. All that was living sensed the strong smell of summer, a warm shiver was sent through the small furry mammals that roamed the riverbanks. A badger aimlessly ambled by, leaving its small footprints within the muddy banks. It took a small sip from the river and went on with life, a relaxing life at that. Small flowers opened and showed their intricate beauty. 
Some ramblers trudged through the mud alongside the river. With large maps lightly swaying from their necks, and overly packed rucksacks, they were unaware of the thousands of life forms that thrived from the river. Further down the river, a town was awaking to another day. The century-old concrete of the small bridge was tested and strained as a car drove upon it. Every scratch and mark in the bridge signified a significant part in its life, a moment that could never be erased. A labrador as black as the night giddily loped through the river as if nothing better had ever occurred within its sweet innocent life. Its owner remained on the paths as early morning sogginess was not something that appealed to him. A small 'tring' of a bell opened the way for some cyclists who swiftly followed the flow of the river. A new day, a new beginning for all. Ben Mears |