Helen McCarthy
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Ghosts of dead lovers
Keep tryst at midwinter, as Snowflakes are dancing Bone dry stems stand tall Amid new growth – skeletons At spring’s waking-feast. Far away in space Heedless winter sunsets burn Molten gold, ice-cold. Scraps of fallen sky Springing like a present from The untended earth |
Spring shoots from cold ground,
Shyly, like a welcome guest Arriving early Silence howls and shrieks Muffling life’s small echoes, like Distant radio Daffodil army Annihilating winter With blasts of sunlight Pale tulips whisper Quiet elegance amid Hectic daffodils Fingers black with earth, Serene and proud my mother Planting the summer |
Feisty greenfinches
Dart among bushes, daring Knife-edged spring breezes Frost-glazed grass, new shoots Crisp-edged, lace-ruffled: winter Still smokes spring’s first breaths Nine goose arrow flies Silent towards summer’s heart, Air sings its passage. |