SHADE from the trees dance across

The path in Alexandra Park

Sky a rich blue, an artist’s dream

With the flowerbeds bursting with colours

As I wander past the sculptured bird hedge

The wooden eagle and War Memorial

Then the sparkling Channel comes into view

To rival the gems of the morning dew.

I caress violet petals by my feet

Silky but doomed to transmute to brown

Then unto dust as everything must.

An elderly lady follows her beloved dog

I reflect upon a park bench

With bees patrolling the flowerbeds

As a gentle hiss from the August breeze

Can be heard in the verdant summer trees.

Guy Fletcher

Pantmawr

Cardiff