Like snow outlining fences,

wool from the downland sheep

creates a winter postcard

in this sullen spring.

As I drive between

the lambing fields a hawk

is driven off the hill

by angry crows, who beat

upon it with their wings,

making me think of US

hubris meeting its Chinese

aerial nemesis.

In middle air above

the coombe the crows turn back

cackling at the chagrin

of their taloned foe.

On the downs between Alvediston & Ansty 11/4/01