Early Spring
from the Black Book Two
for a moment
across the posts -
a chain of sparrows 71
sweeping
from the grass to the trees
a line of sparrows 73
three men
pointing to where a fence
ought to be 78
spring time -
the mice
have gone home 79
the ice gone
sparrows
about their business 83
the cat
back again
fatter than ever 85
with the stars hidden
everything
shadows upon shadows 86
such a black day -
now the moon
refuses to shine 87
spring rain
people run -
newspaper umbrellas 90
spring wind
through the door
smells from afar 93
dusk
the gum trees
at rest 94
be good now
young finch
sitting with that gang of sparrows 95
scratching in the wall -
mouse - have you not heard
it is spring! 97
the day
is put to bed -
sundown 101
cherry tree -
its cut branches
soft with blossom 103
spring rain
so soft
I do not hear it 108
cold spring winds
waiting
for bird song 110
waiting to see
which way the sandfly goes
I go the other way 119
all day
the rain -
faded trees 122
waving at me -
getting no reply
butterfly moves on 124
spring storm
I remember
better times 125
without care
butterfly
exploring till the end 126
grey skies
the dog
does not ask for a walk 132
through the rain
a bird echos
my complaint 135
glad it is spring
sparrows
chatter 146
on the hill
only seen in spring -
a cherry tree 149
no trace
of winter remaining -
the birds rejoice 153
a guest!
springs first blowfly
takes a seat 154
warm sunday
the birds and bees
take it easy 160
bricks stacked
in twos, in fours
waiting for summer 162
just the way
I pick out a tune -
the tui's call 163
floating on the lake
the moon
sleeping ducks 171
All poetry (c) Steven Clarkson 2012-2013