Sheena Blackhall’s rather one-sided conversation with the tree is studded with charming images, particularly of the wildlife with which the tree co-exists. The piece comes from her latest collection, The Sanctuary Knocker: Poems in Scots and English (published by Lochlands, Maud, Aberdeenshire, at £3).
A TALK WITH A TREE
Through your bald branches
I see an open skylight
~
Have you ever decided to shut up shop?
To fly to Chile, Siberia, or Leamington Spa?
Be a tree of a different leaf?
~
What does morning sound like, to a tree?
All those chattering birds,
Those moaning winds
Lovesick foxes and grunting grumpy badgers
~
Will a house inherit your roots?
Like a goldfish trapped in a bowl
You’re chained to your birth spot
~
Walkers in hobnail boots
Trample your porch
Lovers etch names in your sides
~
Scallywag hares for neighbours
Mushrooms for tenants
~
It’s April. Soon you’ll be dressed
In your elfin negligee
~
What’s that? No comment?
In summer you’ll flaunt your skirts
Like the flare of flamenco
I applaud you tree,
Olé
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