SUMMER LIGHTNING

 A summer's day in August. It feels warm. The wind must be blowing from the south. A strong sun is shining over the pebble beach at the Knap and the wide sands of the old harbour. Too silted and shallow for boats it is now being used as a place to sit, play and swim. Across the channel Somerset is clearly outlined. The cafe has reopened after a long lockdown but with all the trappings of covid- socially distanced queueing, hand gel and screens. Seating is outside, with the shelter of an awning if you are lucky. 

Up above the clouds are gathering and changing colour. White becomes  grey becomes purple. The leaves on the trees are blowing steadily and blowing back. A few warm globules of rain fall on my skirt.

Gradually , as the spots of rain become a steady drizzle , Somerset disappears into the mist. We are no longer close to another stretch of coastline. People get up from their tables in the café garden, push back their chairs, drink the last of their coffee. Time to head back to the car as quickly as you can. 

Is that a rumble of thunder in the distance ?  Yes there comes a lightning flash purposeful and precise warning you not to linger under trees . 

In the summer in Wales the weather changes unexpectedly and at pace. Make the most of the sunshine because rain is just a few clouds away.