Woods & Rain

Somehow it's been a year since my last posting, but some poems have showed up, so here's a few.

Cadder

I’ve had very little to eat except

the sight of the birches burning rose-gold

from the sunset and a handful of chestnuts.

I’ve drunk a few sips of water

and a pint of the warmth of your back

holding up mine in the silence.

I’ve had my fill of stillness and tiny spiders

yet I am lightheaded with hunger

so bring me another course of twilight.

***

Songs of Safety

It is a great treasure to be able to hear the rain falling,

to breathe the night air and its scent

to sing with a friend a tune you both know,

to wander.

Rainfall, birdcall, running water, these are songs of safety

When grand emperors insist “there’s nothing for you”

fill your mouth with song and your arms with children.

Turn to each other and offer.

Then it will be only they who have nothing

for having no-one to share with.

I will choose to care now, to offer now, to help now.

Later on it won’t matter.

***