I sat by a tree.

'Neath th' unfurling bright green I woke to Persephone's kiss.
I watched unclad maidens summoning fruits and flowers pass o'er the burgeoning lea,
and unbounded joy sprang up in my breast, that this
was vouchsafed to me.

I sat by a tree.

Demeter's light and warmth tempered by the shade
gave frame to the pastoral scene.
Trilling song broke above me in the glade,
to lift my heart with such visions as none has ever seen.

I sat by a tree.

Autumnal falling leaves of crimson, scarlet, gold,
drifting to russet autumnal rest
upon the welcoming mold,
giving promise that here and now is best.

I sat by a tree.

Through bare branches saw I the far off crystalline blue
and the soft greys with softer falling whites anon,
and lay me down anew
to sleep, and sleeping to dream ever on.

I sat by a tree.

                                                                --9 January 2020