A Few Last Small Stones

21st January

Deep winter -
in the shelter of a holly tree
a bush of vibrant pink bells
remember summer

22nd January
    -


23rd January

Through the scribbled branches
of the beech tree
the evening sky turns pewter


24th January

Evening: On the doorstep I leave an offering
              of the day's uneaten cat food

Morning: The white bowl empty
               but for the crisp curled mystery
                of a winter leaf.


25th January

Opening the curtains
a bright round face
beams through the window -
the returning sun


26th January

Curiously
a line of sheep
circles the oak-crested mound -
a living amulet


27th January

The goldfinch rides
the mast of last year's evening primrose
like a sailor scanning for land


28th January

In the far distance
snow-heavy hills blend with the sky
merrily
the windmills spin their blades


29th January

      -

30th January

As of old the church bell rings out -
my first service for 30 years -
inside a boy sings
'Blowing in the Wind'
in Polish
a saxophone played from the pulpit
reverberates along the pews
outside the wind-borne snow
creates the world anew



31st January

On a bed of moss and snowdrops
lies the Bride doll lightly sleeping
come and call her to awaken
celebrate this springtime brightening!