The Other Side

Across the valley eye can just discern
a well-proportioned red brick-fronted house.

The eye of reason assumes an upstairs window,
on the right, south-facing, with a generous view.

The eye of memory can recall a bed
where we would lie together at the still centre.

The eye of hope can tell itself such days,
such distant days, are not beyond recall.

The eye of faith sees bricks yielding to frost
and rain; and a permanent print on the open air.


Cornerstone

In a free corner of the field wheel tracks
in the grey clay end at a fringe of brittle
nettles and the stealthy leap of brambles.
Among them lies an old farming machine,
...