Memories On Branches

Early March, warm sunshine entices out Numerous hidden sprig formed new leaves From tree bark's yielding grey/brown seeping grout encrusted branches stirring overhead A Springtime environment conducive For chattering chaffinchs' in their twos Comes helpmate so eagerly to show In nest mating rituals they enthuse Herbaceous borders of sweet Summer stock As high pressure heralds seasonal rain Young fledglings bathing in puddles flock Immaculately cut green lawn is laid Under a medieval garden oak Whose lightning-struck slit branches dip down low Come country dwellers and city folk To enjoy picnic fare under welcome shade Crisscrossed stark bracken twigs blown far and wide Tumbling, crispy dried, red/gold autumn leaves Proclaims seasonal change as down they glide Harvested wheat fields and ripe fruited fare Evergreen trees, in lament, wave farewell To bereft shedding foliaged trees Where grey/red squirrels hide their last kernel "Fear not, branches in arms, we shall stand guard" Huff and puff, the wild winter storms take hold Tempestuously taunts the upright elm Forcefully humpbacked, it bends to unfold Huntsmen hurdlers ride fleet in pursuit As sycamore branches sate with new snow Change the blasted landscape scenery Badgers, moles and stoats in tracking go Indistinguishable in form and size