Friday, 9 June 2023

WRIGGLING FREE... (My new poem about the badgers at Temple Balsall...)

 Wriggling Free…



One mammal hesitated, uncomfortable, yet its hunger

For the dispersed food urged the badger forth,

Before it ducked beneath the baked rim of its hole.

When it reappeared, four of its kin wriggled free 

From the cavernous sett and began browsing upon the rough

Ground. Supple, yet robust, their resolve becoming stronger,

They crouched low, brawny, scouring the earth

Upon staunch haunches, movements clandestine, on patrol.

A sixth badger then appeared, surreptitious on woodland scree

And they remained unperturbed until four had foraged enough…


The remaining pair, feeding eagerly, needle claws displayed,

Suddenly froze and towards the lane stared, uneasily,

Until a vehicle roared past, beyond the canopy’s shade

And they dashed for their sett and disappeared hurriedly… 


Pete Ray

9th June 2023



Decent light in early evening, following a warm June afternoon.


One badger emerged but there was then a break, before five appeared wriggling together from one hole, like a can of worms had been opened…


Six badgers fed and were a joy to watch…


One car unsettled to two remaining badgers and their exit was a fitting end to a fab badger watch…


FOR THE LINK TO 6 MINUTES OF VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM 8TH JUNE, PLEASE CLICK ON THIS MESSAGE...

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