Sentinel by Becky Gerrans

Sentinel

by Becky Gerrans

Straight, supple arrow

Some passing wind

Carried to this spot

Took root and grew

In this lonely place

Afloat in a sea of grass

Surrounded by open soltitude,

The arrow points to the sky,

A green sentinel

Home for the winds

and nest for the stars.

A thousand melodies

From it boughs are plucked

Sweet music

Stringed accompanient

For feathered songs

Cold

Bitter, shattering cold

Ice cracks the arrow

Snaps the shaft

Hurls the head to the ground

Spring's warmth

The sun smiles down in the fallen sentinel

A feeble gasp

A tiny arrow

Pokes up from the earth

Raises its head

Stretches

Laughs in the sun

A wee green sentinel