Butterfly

S.W. France, 27 February 2019

I rescued a butterfly

trapped behind glass

cobweb-ligatures

like chains were unclasped

in crafted chaos

of an old plank shed.

Door kicked wide open

daylight burned my eye

cupped hands unfolding

he climbed to the sky

freedom unsurpassed

for me and for him.

Big things empirically

at the last

in small things are hid.

Winter Roses (Sonnet)

East Kent, 17 February 2019

See the timid winter roses

Buffeted by snow and wind

Shy debutantes, geisha faces

Imperilled but undimmed.

On each tiny threadlike tendril

Forever buds show rub of rain

Daubs of pink are pricked at bridal

White with cruel stain.

What can it mean, I question?

Forbearance, to be sure

Modelled prettily in my garden

Why then look for more?

Caprice of beauty, this quiet refrain

Lodged implacably in my brain.