February 19 – Dance Concert
Plumage of tulle
Bunched around bottoms
The perfect formation
Of conglomeration
Packed together
Cygnets learning to fly
In formation
By huddling together
This poem was inspired by the eucalyptus tree in blossom outside the office where I work.
I have two young daughters who love to dance and the bunch of blossoms reminded me of children’s dance concerts where they haven’t quite learned spacial awareness and clump together on stage.
If you are a native Antipodean, it will also remind you of May Gibbs’ creation, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
A Fullness in Brevity - Adam Byatt 