9th February 2026

 

sleepy kitten

demanding attention

dogs waiting

© Rachel Green February 2026

This pollarded stump may dream of lofty height

for in its roots dwells still a mighty soul

that burrows through the stone with ancient right

to reach an all-due majesty above these plains of boule.

I know not of what fruit thou brings to bear

when spring will coax thy freshest stems to shoot

and summons forth thy fragrance to the air

for bees to gather nectar from thy fruit.

This region of the French Dordogne is known

for grapes to make the wine of days long passed

but thou art cut too tall for summer's vine

and suspect that thou bring forth plums at last.

 For now in winter's slumber doth thou rest

 and I'll return ere autumn time to test.

© Rachel Green February 2026