Autumn Landscape Poem by David Wood

Robins shiver on bare branches,
They look at you as they tweet, they're
Nature's crafty beggars, they don't
Give an inch. They have that habit
Of staying put until they're fed.

The lake, sits surrounded by a plethora
Of tall unhappy Ash trees on one side,
Many are suffering Ash dieback and
In need of intensive care that never
Comes. On the lake's other side grace

A variety of willows, some healthy, some
Weeping. Ubiquitous Silver Birch with
Coarse leathery bark dripping lichen
Compete with various Aspen and Alder's
Giving the impression nature is thriving.

Their leaves now carpet the winding path
Where dogs take their owners for walks
On cold autumn days, and lovers chat,
With limpid love bonding their hearts
Together, soft love deep in their eyes.

I still walk with Clara by my side in the cold
Frigid air, she is a ghost now, I remember
Her chasing her tennis ball, which is still
In the back of the car waiting for her. She
Now plays with the ghosts of other dogs.

A clear blue sky arches over the lake where,
In the heavens above, an orange sun offers
A weak smile in it's defence. A cold Earth slowly
Begins to harden ready for winter's cold cape,
To start to cast its chill dark dank shadow.

Winter however, always offers hope of
Something new as snowdrops and crocus
Will begin to bring colour in the cold days of
January, and they will be followed by seas
Of yellow daffodils that herald the new spring.