Mary

MARY

 

A bright autumn day

with high clouds scudding

and the smell of bonfires;

red and golden leaves

dancing in wind coils in the gardens.

 

A winter night

and the stars are brilliant.

The Northern Lights throb and flicker

over the luminous snow-fields.

 

A spring day with sunlight

moving in the trees.

Swans are gliding on the river:

a flock of doves descends in unison

on the red roof tiles.

 

A summer evening thick with stars,

and a ceilidh in the light

of coloured bulbs; the scent

of pine from the hills;

 

something calling from the wood

to the lovers at the open gate.