On the banks of the Teifi, above the falls at Cenarth

On the banks of the Teifi
Above the falls at Cenarth
The water speeds over ancient rocks
moulded by its gentle attrition

Insects dance with swallows and martins
A dipper,white bibbed, breaks the surface,
Speckled fry; myriad miracles of life
Dart, synchronous in the shallows.

We sit on a steep, high bank
Below
My son, five, plays close by the river's edge
On shaly rocks,
Self conscious
Wrapped in a dappled dream.

And then scrambling,
Screamed at
Ripped into by a battle plane
Low and roaring,
Thundering deep into our startled chests

Alone, dreams broken
Reaching up, scrambling, pale crying
Comfort, comfort...
Peace? Peace came.
"The plane's angry."

I collapse inside
In my mind I see the news
And recall how

Everyday, angry thuds, roars and screams
Puncture lives and shatter dreams.