Way of the world

Out of the window
          -an inclined skylight-
in the distance
         a tall conifer
heaves restlessly in the wind
         against a grey sky
A roof hip attached
         to the roof ridge
of the house opposite
          at an angle
of 135 degrees :
         weather-worn tiles
a little moss growing
          all due for renewal
soon

All things have a life
         the birds warbling
in the bushes
         the rose garden
where the birds
         sometimes sing :
the train Emily heard
         passing through
the mountain pass
        and through her life :
the pebbles pounded to oblivion
         on Brighton beach
All things drifting
         towards extinction
All in good time

John Lyons