Lonely plaintive note

Another day spent quietly. This morning we watched the arcane ceremonial events of the Accession Council in the Picture Gallery and the Throne Room at St. James’s Palace, followed by the Proclamation on the balcony of Charles III as King. What a huge privilege to be sitting in the comfort of our own home watching these ancient traditions as they happened, when for hundreds of years past the news would have taken days to travel across the country by messengers on foot and horseback . 

Later we listened as our new King delivered his heartfelt and very personal address to the nation and the Commonwealth from Buckingham Palace. 

As it has been another day of high emotion spent at home, today’s photo was once again taken through the kitchen window. We haven’t been out of the house for a day or two now, so this robin felt like a welcome visitor to me, to help relieve my sadness.


Sweet little bird in russet coat, 
The livery of the closing year, 
I love thy lonely plaintive note 
And tiny whispering song to hear, 
While on the stile or garden seat 
I sit to watch the falling leaves, 
The song thy little joys repeat 
My loneliness relieves.

John Clare