Under the chestnut tree
Here under my childhood tree
in Bixhill wood
my story first grew
my limbs learnt what is was
to descend a steep grassy hill
at breakneck speed
to feel the rush of air on my face
to feel the droplets of sweat
forming around my eyebrows
to feel the exhilaration of leg muscles
put to the test
and to feel alive in that moment
for that very moment
to be six or seven years old
and without a care in the world
forgetting all that had passed
projecting nothing into the future
living the purity of the instant
trusting my breath
and the power
of my lungs and knowing
the glory that is to be alive
John Lyons