Month: Apr 2025

Poem 481 – The Chiffchaff

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‘What’s that?’ she asked abruptly,
pointing to the smallest
bird perched in the tree
beside us.

I almost missed it listening
to the sound resounding
all around me, loud
and laughing.

This Irish lilt, melodic
song that filled the air,
composers answering
each other.

But then I saw it fill its
chest, open its beak,
and sing and sing and sing,
so merry!

This little fellow was the
author of the song
that brought such joy, we can’t
stop smiling!

This afternoon we took a post lunch walk around Lea Valley and saw a chiffchaff in the tree beside us. Their loud and laughing song always makes me smile. I was surprised to discover that the source of this big sound is such a small bird! I thought I’d try and capture something of its bouncy song in the form of this poem. If you don’t know what they sound like listen to this: https://youtu.be/we0bA5POyzU?si=etmckMGRQWKkPgjL
(10.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Andrey Strizhkov on Unsplash

Poem 480 – Making Space

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Today, I’m making space for conversation
Pushing back the barriers to speech
Setting out the chairs around the table
Ensuring everybody has a place

Putting on the kettle, making tea
Meeting everybody with a smile
Whiling away the hours with open questions
Offering our guests the gift of time

I’ve been reflecting on the impact of our foodbank layout on our visitors, and have decided that it’s time to ring the changes.
(09.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Aditya Kulkarni on Unsplash

Poem 479 – Home to Roost

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Each dusk they fly in flocks
Across the inky sky
A gathering murmuration

And as the starlings gather
Bats begin to flit
And weave their frantic patterns

This transit brings to mind
Another distant view
The passing of the sun

We gathered in your garden
Equipped with tinted glasses
To watch the solar eclipse

Back then, as now, the birds
Flew across the horizon
Going home to roost

But soon it’s time for you
To take to wing and pass
Go heading home to roost

Fly safely, my old friend,
Through this liminal place
And soon the sun will shine

The starlings are massing as night falls.
(08.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Jan Haerer on Unsplash

Poem 477 – Mother Sun

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The newborn sunshine warms the sleeping foal.
With winter’s labour done, its early rays
accompany the horse’s early breaths.
Lying content and totally at peace
its chest rises and falls, filling with life
under its constant mother’s patient gaze.

This afternoon we took a walk across the River Lea, and stumbled across the site of a new born foal sleeping under the early spring sun.
(06.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025

Poem 475 – Friday

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At the end of the walk
look back at the route,
Retrace your paths
and steps, recall
the twists and turns,
the detours taken.
Remember the views,
and picture the scenes
that stopped your breath
and brought you life.
Recount steep paths,
successfully navigated;
gain strength for those
ongoing climbs.
Rest tired limbs;
the satisfying ache
of journey’s end –
at least for now.
Give thanks for those
who’ve walked with you,
and those you have
accompanied.

Tomorrow will bring more hours and challenges, but for now it’s Friday evening, and time to stop, take stop, and give thanks.
(04.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025

Poem 473 – Two Heads

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An honest conversation,
A sharing of opinions,
Through letting our guards down,
And trusting one another.

Revealing ignorance,
And asking searching questions,
Opening to the other,
Two heads better than one.

I’ve had a day of activities and meetings today. A common thread has been a series of cracking conversations where we’ve genuinely learnt from each other.
(02.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Johaer on Unsplash

Poem 472 – Watch the Date!

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Spaghetti trees and panda eggs,
Flying penguins pass in packs,
Des Lynam praises staff behaviour,
As fists land blows behind his back.

Planetary alignment weakens gravity,
Trampoline aisles in supermarkets,
Anton du Beke joins Ant and Dec
My favourite April Fools Day pranks

Some classic childhood favourites (and a newer one).
(01.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Denis Agati on Unsplash