Moments in the North

(MLJ)

Tears restrained

The sky does not burn
nor does the sun turn
only in the waiting clouds
From hearts the warm rain caresses
leaves of grass and trees
Strange thoughts these in wood and stone
changed through fur and fleece,
gentle forests’ pains to atone.

Dr T.P. Wilkinson writes, teaches History and English, directs theatre and coaches cricket between the cradles of Heine and Saramago. He is also the author of Church Clothes, Land, Mission and the End of Apartheid in South Africa. Read other articles by T.P..