One fine warm day in early summer, I sat reading in a quiet corner of my garden. Then, all at once an ‘excitement’ of linnets Alighted on an apple tree. It must have been an occasion of high celebration For they kept hopping about and sweetering Away to each other as a gathering of womenfolk Might do outside a church entrance When a newly-wed bride emerges. I was attempting to divine its inspiration But suddenly a neighbour’s cat jumped down Off a wall, putting a sudden end to this Effervescence and causing their immediate departure. I do hope they come this way again, some other Time, when they have something to enthuse about And when that cat is not about.