In the still fading day
In the still fading day
rain is falling
falling still
into the earth
into the intricate roots
of the mighty oak and elm
I’ve known since I was a child
their bare black boughs
thrusting eagerly today
into dull grey air
Down by the river
through a dense thicket
I see a kingfisher
resting on a branch
unaware of my presence
and by the water’s edge
two voles playing catch
if catch can
living the life of endless
innocent time
In the still fading day
rain is falling
falling still
and a love lurks
in that corner of my heart
that longs to understand
what cannot be understood
and I splash cadmiums
random reds yellows and blue
on a drum-taut canvas
and the rain is falling still
still falling rain
John Lyons