For many years we looked towards each other.
You standing on Hampstead Heath,
spreading high in heavens earth, wide view around.
Reminding me of my mother.
Strong dynamic darkness,
deep rooted to the ground.
I knew this year we would be together,
like in other years a call would come
and ask of me to step inside relationship.
To form a dance, a love affair be born.
O copper beech.
In speechless admiration I came to you.
You feasted my eyes beyond satisfaction.
Touched my heart to melting.
And the more we fell into each other.
The more we danced.
The more I loved you.
The more I understood the mirror of this world –
the seeing me in you.
Description left me blank.
No colour chart could match the diffusions of your
shining new born leaves.
Your endless hues of brown-reds, coppers, blackened greens.
While the sun brushed red upon you.
While the season grew you into fullness
gowning you a Russian queen in pelted lustre.
While the days quietened you into evenings
calling the colours of day away.
My wonder turned to prayer.
O maturity.
You deepened her.
Made a cave of her.
Gave her majesty.
Copper Beech
2005 ©