5. in the story

Wrapped in soft warmth,

enfolded in an afterglow of bath-time,

words cuddle the imagination

as the story unfolds.

4. footprint

photo: Houghton Regis Chalk quarry 26th Jan 2013

Footprints in the snow

the kisses of feet

on shallow skin

and

the sinking feeling of love.

3. does the tree have a memory

Can the tree remember

yesterday, bedecked,

in the warm and dry

dripping with lights and tinsel

and the clamour of Christmas cheer.

Somehow it looks sad

back in the garden

and the celebration of birds.

2. Traces

There are traces of my journey

in the souls of my friends,

long forgotten and rusting,

building a skeleton

and hiding in unsought memories.

1. waving at trains

The trees stand on pathway edge,

branches waving,

like friends

to a departing train.

The fire without

The fire without,

red eyed

with the dying of the sun,

looks into the windows

and sees

its reflection.

It is putting on its make-up

for the night.

The tree is in love

The tree is in love

with Autumn

wearing its hearts on its sleeve

in a yellow blush.

Like birds returning to roost

heart-leaves gather;

a warm snuggle,

a smile on the soul.