Embracing imperfection

 Embracing imperfection

Clearing moss, unlovely in the cracks between, 

terrace tiles 

I studied plump-bellied pots, two rows, in symmetry 

and thought of imperfection, cracks and breakages 

the terracotta winter-split and gaping

its luscious curves spattered and spoiled, pock-marked 

sadly battered. 

Here’s not a lovely patina, age tattooing a texture 

nor is the creeping moss embellishment. 

I stood and wished for liquid gold to pour into the cracks 

filling the flaws 

for kintsugi art, ancient, its beauty 

embracing imperfection. 

25th February 2021, Hounoux

We sat in sun

 We sat in sun

We sat in sun, improbably warm 

February, sipping summer 

looking for chooks gone roaming. 

Then lunch and through the window all the long chain 

lovely- distant mountains shone. 

So all that afternoon, noon til curfew

we talked of books and films and family 

our preferences and pasts. 

After isolation, separation, gathered only virtually

not real 

how glad we were for lunch, lovingly prepared 

and friends carefully together,

laughing in the sun. 

18th February 2021, Hounoux, for Ros and Andy 

And look perhaps at lichen

And look perhaps at lichen

Walk slowly he said, the entomologist 

and look perhaps at lichen

amble, ramble. 

How marvellous the mini beasts in motion

scurry/skitter, fly/ flitter 

walk slowly, crouch and peer 

what’s hidden here? 

Some insect digs or spins

in damp or dry, in dark or light

solo or teaming, cooperation. 

See when you slow and amble, ramble 

cut the speed and stare, 

observe and wonder, world in miniature 

entomologist’s delight 

and look perhaps at lichen. 

Hounoux February 11th 2021 

February tulips flop

 February tulips flop 

February tulips flop, lounging languid

casual as an artist’s nude, chaise-longue

reclining 

and effortless, all unaware 

the bare-faced beauties stun. 

So lift my heart and sing my soul

as February tulips flop. 

Hounoux 4th February 2021,