99 - Spelt Bread

Through the shimmering dawn Abdul Hasib ibn Burd, the Lebanese Poet-Philosopher, sees a distant figure on the horizon.  It is Tom Purdue who has been following the Wye Valley Walk, and has climbed up to the Begwyns in search of a close-up view of the rare and elusive Montagu’s harrier (circus pygargus) which he managed to photograph from afar, having recognised its elegant flight. Lapricia Organdy, who is spending a few days with Hasib, ties up her unfortunate hound, Sennacherib, who tends not to appreciate strangers. By contrast Hasib’s flirtatious cat  has perfect manners. Lapricia and Hasib welcome Tom with a glass of wine and a loaf of spelt bread.