Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure

Broad green leaves

As thick as canvas

Spread wide

In full sail

A million yachts

An armada

Of billowing trees

Pitching against the wind

The clicks and creaks

Of old wood settling

Cork and tar

Melting in the sun

Bleaching between them.

Old masters

Stretching to the sky

Reaping the benefit

Of summer

Gorging themselves

A regal show

A royal regatta

Marching into the distance

Falling over the horizon

A flotilla of saplings

A fleet of tall trees

Lining the route

Landmarking the way

Great heads bowing

In respect

At the cemetery gates

Milling around the stones

Massed battalions

An honour guard

In silent witness

To a lack of progress.