Robin

snip, clip, cut, pull, clip, clip
working along the hedge
in the thick of it
dry copper beech rustling
old hop vines twisted
resisting my pulling
their paper thin twine
strong enough to choke the tree
weak enough to break
without warning
leaving me staring up
into the bitter white light
of threatening chill night
wondering how to separate
tree from tangle
like me from you
and while I am wondering
thinking, finish this before
it is too late
bobbing up onto a shorn branch
fixing its left eye on me paused
mirroring my quizzical moment
the robin, fluffed up against the cold
wonders too at nature’s ways

~

CLP 09/01/2024