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