Years

Years

Were I to live another ten

I’d reach the very brink of old,

the gorse would bloom ten times again,

I’d reconnect with long lost friends

and see my children’s dreams unfold –

were I to live another ten.

I’d turn my face to church and mend

my broken faith; in blazing gold

the gorse would bloom ten times again;

I’d visit towns like this and spend

my evenings looking in, alone,

were I to live another ten.

We’d make love, winter nights, and then

as springtime warmth replaced the cold

the gorse would bloom, ten times again.

The years ahead diminish when

I measure what they may not hold:

were I to live another ten,

the gorse would bloom ten times again.

Kent & Sussex Folio 2017