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