THE MONTHS
JANUARY
As stones that lie in frozen pools
when days still short and ice accrues
and all that lies within is bathed
beneath a blankets cold caress.
FEBRUARY
Winters skeletal bones stand proud
In dormancy in frost and snow
Within the dark and dank and drear
Their buds asleep till springtime brings
The new beginnings of the year.
MARCH
M arch when birds sing
A nd small early flowers
R each out between showers
C ascading, celebrating and
H eralding spring.
APRIL
The ravages of seasons rage
no more in minds of toiling men
with welcome signs of change in clime
their heavy raiment hanging upon
the rusting hooks behind the door
now April’s here again.
MAY
Dressed in hues of freshest green
the fields and hedges, trees and moors
with misting sprays in harmony
reflecting seasons early cast.
JUNE
The sap of spring departing fast,
the rising scent of new mown hay
whitening, drying day by day,
in early pastures kissed by sun.
JULY
With summer days of gold and blue
when fields of stubble frame the view
and natures music gently plays
with gold and blue of summer days.
AUGUST
With mighty arms which swing the scythes
the swish as reapers cut the corn
in fields where poppies shed their seeds
and rooks await the ploughs return.
SEPTEMBER
Behind the churning tractors wheels
on soil ploughed as birds sweep low
the ridges point where sky mists rise
and coral beaded berries hang
as peace runs through the vales.
OCTOBER
The coruscating light shines through
the canopy of falling leaves
and rests upon the forest floor
where crenelated shadows dance.
NOVEMBER
In rows of narrow window panes
The slowly sinking lingering sun
Reflects its fiery orange hand
As autumns fingers lightly lay
A burnished palette on the land.
DECEMBER
On lonely paths that weave their way
Where steps are heard with rustling tread
and muffled hands remain unseen
In depths of winters frozen grasp.