in the tree it takes the shape of leaves wind shakes —   
but it is not leaves and cannot be shaken loose

it comes folded as letters to be filed by month and year
but it weighs more than letters and cannot be organised 

it takes the form of sly-lipped visitors
smiling at a future they could easily tell
but do not feel the need to speak

it manifests as a distant lover whose beautiful hand
is thinking of touching someone
far away

it cannot hold a simple story
there are strands that pass re-pass over under
all the tangle   all the taut  
secured in weave

it may be anywhere    is everywhere

it is our great need

our great nest of need always full                       
of hunger awake with open beaks
loud with contest that drives us off 
to search to seek

we work continually  
you and I
our wings beat as hearts

my loves
my love

Poem by Jo Mariner

Image: John Pearson Arts And Crafts Grotesque Door Finger Plate with kind  permission of Brian @ Pricewalker Antiques Keswick (ksia.co.uk)  Description: A rare example of John Pearson’s work in the form of a 10” x 3”copper door push finger plate showing two grotesque creatures  c.1895/1900.  Please refer to KSIA catalogue at https://www.ksia.co.uk