They stand in the background, giant coat-hangers –
take them away and some shape would fall.

Oak: gnarled trunk with carved hearts, saved-up love
she was still running towards.

Laurel: the den on the Rec. where she and Wendy hid,
teased a force they were terrified of.

Chestnut: by the sports field with their tantalizing blooms;
violent conker lads she wanted and hated.

Willow: the weeper they lay under dreaming the future,
enjoying for now delicious Catherine Wheels,

leaves letting the sun in, almost.

 

Jacci Bulman lives in north Cumbria. Read more about her alongside her poem May moon party, and she has also contributed Stay/linger/remain to this site.