Axial Tilt

C. Gillespie: Glenalmond 2015

The last snowflake settled

on the crown of the sentry crow

who guarded the rookery behind the Hall. 

His beak glowed emerald and opened wide 

and from the black back of his kraaing gullet

spat forth a ball of sound and light

which filled the sky with its nascent green hum.

The last primrose petal fell

on the shell of the sentinel snail 

who guarded the dung heap down at the Mill. 

Her shell glowed violet and the whorl uncurled 

and from the coal hole of her carbon calyx 

surged forth a wave of dew and silver

which quenched the earth with its sating tide.

The last dandelion tickled

the nose of the watchdog fox

who guarded the gatehouse at the top of the drive. 

His breath glowed amber and his snout flared broad 

and from the red bed of his nasal fossa

tore forth a whip of wind and darkness

which stung the trees with its auburn burn.  

The last brown beech leaf dropped

in sight of the keeper kite

who guarded the path to Mad Wifie’s cottage. 

Her tail glowed ruby and spread, full fanned 

and from the rudder shudder of her forked tail

shot forth plumes of fire and silence

that burned the world to a monochrome hush.

Repeat