John Rickell Poems

Does the rose beside the green front door
bloom as when I was youth.
Does the gate clash against the post
the spring that gave us rides
...

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
...