Sandygate

Almost a score of years in hasty flight

Have winged their way into the treasured past,

Leaving but little in the mind to last

Of all they brought for sorrow or delight,

Ere first I stood beneath the signpost white

That marked the crossing of the ways green grassed

And neatly hedged, and knew that peace had cast

On all her robe in folds of gentle light.

The spreading trees, the cottages, the hay

Scenting the air, the shop so low and dark,

The lily-pond, a lark’s high notes – all stay

Transfixed in time inviolate.  But hark –

Peace, her robes gathered, takes herself away,

For now the noisy traffic drowns the lark.

 

Mona’s Herald     11.7.61