Heatwave

A heatwave hit Lancashire the week that we left

The gardens were blooming and trees were well-dressed

The birds were in song and the butterflies danced

As the summer heat peaked, village folk were romanced

Yet, the heathland was browning and the peat bogs were wry

And the reservoir yardsticks were left high and dry

The stream a mere trickle and ponds became ditches

It was quickly agreed that we missed water's riches

We left, fingers crossed, heading over to France

To indulge in good food and our knowledge enhance

Immersing ourselves in a new way of life

Architecture and culture in cities of strife

We were awed by cathedrals in Troyes and in Chartres

Bewitched by the Giverny gardens and art

The arches at Nîmes and the Maison Carrée

Each new day a new place, new wonders to see

But history and culture, they don't feed your soul

So we set further south - to meet family our goal

And followed two weeks full of laughter and joy

Easy days full of stories and playing and noise

There were days out and picnics and fun in the pool

As we took turns at cooking, forgot all the rules

Our meals a great gathering, a time for debate

And the world put to rights as we talked until late

But after two weeks full of love, life and pleasure

We all parted ways with our memories to treasure

We packed up the car and set off on our way

Looking forward to brand new adventures each day

But setting up camp in the heat of the day

The temperature was high - we began to dismay!

An uncomfortable night and we rose to no breeze

The forecast was hotter - now forty degrees!

Like nomads, we packed up and headed up north

To flee from the heatwave the south had brought forth

A different heat, so oppressive and stifling

Our attempts to stay cool felt pathetic and trifling

We fled through Provence, then Auvergne and the Loire

Leaving heat and destruction, huge fires wide and far

Eventually finding respite in the north

Where the cool breeze of Normandy there did give forth

As human behaviours impact on the world

The planet responds with a fury unfurled

Sending heatwaves and hurricanes, droughts and wildfires

The weather her weapon, the message is dire

Back home in a week and the forecast is warm

A heatwave in making? A new summer storm?

As attitudes change will there be a rebirth?

Will we all do our bit to support Mother Earth?

If not, then the future looks bleak for us all

So open your eyes and observe nature's call.