The epidemic of mirth
with an R of 2.
The crack in the ice
that heralds the thaw of Spring.
The wick in the candle
that sputters into daylight.
The pinprick of starlight
that heralds the light of the world.
The smile of relief
on the face of a newly nursing mother.
Paul Arnold is Assistant Curate of Preston on Tees and Longnewton in the Diocese of Durham.