Cherry keeps on speaking
Of blossom and birds and the seasons as they turn
She tells me that this year will be a fruitful one
For her and for her kind
There is a majesty in her patience
Rooted and growing
Cherry plays her part so well
Never alone, she gathers her beings
To cloak her and bless her
They live as one
Lichens on her north side
Ivy among her roots
Beetles and butterflies
So many scolding blackbirds
It is easy to lose count
Except now I know them by sight
Young, noisy males
Tired, loving females
One year she grew five babies
Taken in their first night by the magpie
She sat alone on an empty nest
As my heart broke
The Old Man of the tree
Brightest billed blackbird
Knows the score and keeps his domain
For now
From his rivals
I am housing flies for when the swallows arrive
she says
I cannot wait
To witness the murder
Nwyfre 