The Holly and the Hawthorn

A familiar scene to all who walk this lovely Spot, as into view close by the river path Comes something which is not The usual day-to-day. All who pass her pause, Then stop to gaze on Haguthorn's display, Beyond any season's best this year And many pose a selfy, or compose Admiring shots. Two neigbour trees Beside the Thames compete, In different ways, though one outshines The other with its beauty on display. A thousand crimson berries deck this finer Necklaced tree, which is barren of all leaf As admirers plainly see, while beside this jewelled Haw Is a Holly fully wreathed, yet without her Scarlet trophies, save for one or two beneath. The cameras and the selfies look for one Shot in their lense, the one which bears Abundant fruit is posted to dear friends. It's Hawthorn hedge still keeps to shape The fields and country lanes, while Holly only Decks the halls and then comes down again. Haw berries heal the weakened heart and gladden hearts with wine. Haw adorns spring with bridal gown And sustains the winter singing thrush Though holly seems the finer crown It's thrown by end of Christmas rush. When all season's fuss is come and gone Haw's bearing of abundant fruit Gains true 'welcome!', and 'Well done!'