John Rickell Poems

Burns-Night long ago
fateful night for both
haggis, turnip supper,
whisky by the yard.
...

Had I not known
forgotten how blue the sea
when daylight fades to night?
many dawns, noon-day chimes
...

Pigeons two and blackbirds three
crab tree red and ripe
sweetness for all to see
before the bedroom window.
...

I fell in love
when first I saw a rose
too young to see and
understand its beauty,
...

I shall not take that I do not own
but wait in hope the gift I seek
you have not spoken, but
the promise there to see,
...

What tongue recites
Is it the willow
Languid to the ground
Catkins and golden leaves
...

No need to know the date
no calendar for them
but a warming sun.
balmy air and shelter
...

There was a struggle in the air
retreating night and eager dawn
grey white mists at half passed four
muffling the friendly battle,
...

I woke, my hands dreaming on her thighs
the sun in the window, Morning Glory,
a robin in the holly.
Seems an age since last we kissed
...

I walked the night garden shadows of gentle grey,
lit by the sickle moon stood still and silent
the warmth of the summer's day rose to mist the air
bearing flowery fragrance to the sleeping leaves,
...