Hibernation

It's that time of year. Long, long nights, and during the day the sun is low over the horizon. Even the hazels have given up any attempt to photosynthesise. It's time to stop, take stock, rest.

letting light in

under the lichen-garlanded hazel

there is space to lie back and look up

through the lattice of buds and branches

waiting their long winter wait

pausing before they erupt into catkins

taking time out letting light in

being between ending and beginning