GIFTS FROM THE WOODS

Eggshell footfalls, chiffchaffs

Hands coiled up in coat pockets

White plumes of breath mushrooming

A leaf’s slow and magnificent fall

Colour, First kisses, hide- and-seek,

the softness of mud, how it feels to walk through it:

creamy, like treading custard

Squirrels, conkers, childhoods

Kaleidoscopic dapples of sunlight

Swings made of hills, branches and blue rope

Gnarled and twisted trees, elephant trees, fallen trees

A daffodil’s yellow beak

That gapes in awe,

At the walkers that gape back in awe.

LAUREN HOLLINGSWORTH-SMITH

Also by Lauren,