Four Delays


on a wide bend of the river
there is a leisurely turning of water
that flows so profoundly it can
relax into ever gesture


a mist rising from water
drifts grey over green
a slow mist of willows
pale green over green


on the edge of a wood
a moment's hesitation
how will you conduct yourself
in the company of trees


willow branches spread and fall
around a space that holds the air
or detains it while it comes and goes
within a room whose walls are leaves


from Of Woods & Water
Moschatel Press 2009 £8.50