Palette

A Plane Tree's Beauty

Dappled shadows waiver on bricks-

muted red-brown, dust covered-

beneath the plane tree's canopy

of rustling, summer's-end leaves.

In blocks of cool grey, shading to umber,

the bark flaunts a rich, textured surface,

while one bright spot of gamboge

draws the attention like a beacon.

Specks of eau-de-nil moss, or fungus,

are embroidered in a sparse pattern

down one side. They lift the colour palette

into another dimension, alien to the tree,

whose branches spread a benison of calm

over all below. The day's breath

slows at the approach of dusk, until

a sudden crescendo sends a few dry leaves

spiraling to earth, where they scutter

over the cobbles, rasping, brittle, whispering,

as they scurry across the road's surface

in a wind-whirled dance of Autumn.

Looking through folders on my computer just now,  I thought this picture and poem should be in partnership, even though they are nothing to do with Spring. The same tree which inspired both, is now dressed in a new gown to greet another year. I stood admiring it, last time I walked to the shops, and it's as beautiful as ever

And now I'm linking it to Imaginary  Garden - long after its first appearance!  Hope some people enjoy it anyway...