A Winters Tryst

Something a bit whimsical, a simple love story, between a valley and its errant stream.

Visit collection: Wonderful Britain
Alkham Valley. The winterbourne stream the Drellingore is in full flow, winding it's way along the valley floor.
The beautiful Alkham Valley is known as a dry valley so I was surprised one year to see a stream running along the valley floor, which increased in width throughout the winter months, only to vanish in the spring. I had just had my first encounter with ‘The Drellingore’, a ‘winterbourne’ stream transient in nature, dependent upon the weather. It can be many years between its occurrence. I was captivated. Read the magical poem below.
  • A Winters Tryst
  • Alkham valley
  • Kent
  • UK

Aroused by dew drops on her lips, the valley stirs beneath the mist Teasing the Drellingore with a wish, to join her for a winter tryst.

“Parched after hot summer nights, leaves in the breeze wispy sprites Come dance in the shortening light, see the return of the Drellingore flight Ride the stream towards the sea, glide with abandonment, blissfully free”

Tempted by the valley’s mirth, water trickles from beneath the earth, Crystal clear, cool and sweet, reaching out to quench her thirsty feet.

The Winterbourne ripples with pride, hte valley refreshed on either side His course swift, awash with rain, he vowed this year not to wane.

But winter tires and spring stirs, storms become but showers The valley where the water flowed, is green, now budding with flowers.

The valley sighs and rests her head, near to the dwindling Winterbourne bed The stream slows, then flows no more, thank you, sleep well, my Drellingore.