The Perennial

The Perennial On an overhang, where the mountain slopes gently towards the lowland and the sea there is a crooked tree with long roots embracing the mountain Is the plant an asp or a birch, the leaves are compact and sturdy It has to be as it is the first who catches the winter wind or the salty haar from the sea. It is also a tree that catches the first light of the day and the last To see the disappearing day, the first to see how wonderfully clear our firmament can be. This tree will not risk the indignity, of being dressed up like a tart have gifts in the colourful wrapping of favour bought under duress and be thrown on the waste heap when the party is over This tree will not be an elegant mast on a clipper sailing to China and Ceylon and one day run aground on the hardy coast of Norway and be sold off as planks., This tree is art because someone looked up and said, look at this, its true art and has a natural beauty and emotion only great art can provoke.