Sounds of Autumn

TANKA: SOUNDS OF AUTUMN

equinox spirits

whispering softly through mist

squirrels scratch for nuts

swoosh of leaves swirling down lanes

rattle of wind through cracked glass

 

calling birds fly low

harvest mice squeak scampering

looking for safety

where grass grows under hedgerows

no hiding place in ploughed fields

 

harvest moon shining

lights up the darkest corners

barn owl takes swift flight

rain pattering on red rooves

as lullabies drift upwards

 

 

 

 

© Margaret Royall October 2017

Author of poetry anthology “Fording The Stream” by Jessica de Guyat

Island Wisdom

Tanka

ISLAND WISDOM

lewisian gneiss
withstands the scars of all time
fortress of fire
spectacular sunrise will
follow the saddest sunset

petrichor rising
from damp rocks after rainfall
assaults the nostrils
peace is restored after storm
turning back the errant tide

© Margaret Royall October 2017

A ROSE BLOOMED IN MY HEART

SERENDIPITY
Dedicated to my dear friend Virginia

A rose bloomed in my heart
The day we met on Queen Street Station
Nervously trundling our luggage
Each looking to find the other,
Up to that point just Christmas cards
Carelessly tossed in the post out of duty
Fleeting messages year on year
Cousins by marriage, a tenuous link,
What we knew of eachother was sketchy at best

Suddenly we were real people
Tentative hugs and kisses exchanged
Soon chatting and laughing together non-stop
Over dinner, surrounded by Art Deco luxe
Trying to catch up on precious lost years
Clicking at once, it was true serendipity!
So much in common and more to explore
The jigsaw had found its missing piece!

Twin francophiles, we couldn’t wait
To plan a trip to south west France
Exploring ancient Templar sites –
Carcassonne’s fortress, Rennes-le-chateau
Sipping blanc de limoux, enjoying moules frites
Soaking up everyday life in the Languedoc
Carefree days, each supporting the other
Laughing at our attempts to speak French

The rose still blooms in my heart
Why did it take us so long to meet
And grasp that serendipitous moment?
Time is so precious as we age
Each minute, day and hour a treasure
We see our reflection in life’s grand mirror
And know we are mortal – for time marches on!
Live in the present then, no point in waiting,
Hand in hand we’ll run again
Through sunflower meadows in south west France
Carpe diem, while the jigsaw pieces fit!

© Margaret Royall March 2017

 

 

 

The Bramley Angel

THE BRAMLEY ANGEL

A sharp wind licks the casement window panes
And cottage fires are lit against the chill,
Maple-tipped leaves chase whirling down the lanes,
The old, gnarled apple tree high on the hill
Pregnant with harvest’s bounty, gently moans,
Dipping her laden boughs towards the earth,
Duetting with the wind, who sighs and moans,
Awaiting bright fulfilment with the birth
Of ripening apples, dappled green and red,
Filling the orchard baskets, nectar-sweet,
Tempting the children, eager to be fed
They plop down smiling at the workers’ feet.
The Bramley Angel watches from above,
Blessing the crop with laughter, light and love

© Margaret Royall August 2017