on trees

this Winter lingers
no polite exit
a tip of the hat
a nod
no stepping aside to wave in Spring
this winter bids us an insincere farewell
pretending it ought leave now
but wait
an umbrella forgotton
a scarf
oh, a glove
my coat! I forgot my coat
just when I thought
the door can be firmly closed
on the back of this recalcitrant
it drags itself reluctantly down the path
rattles the gate
as April’s bright light
swings into the avenue
where the trees shiver
their verdant clothes
still in the wash

~

CLP 30/03/2025