The Duke of Northumberland's River by Bob Kimmerling

Arts Richmond

Online - 13 September 2020

The Duke of Northumberland's river

A shoal of roach fast scatter at my shadow.

Mother moorhen toots as chick ducks in

and out of overhanging ivy.

A boating flower floats along intact

with shadow's faithful dancing follow,

on gravel, then over weed and back.

Across the stream two white hat coots.

One ferries straw between its beak

with earnest nodding paddled scoots.

Buddlea, dipping low some leafy locks

quenches from the summer heat

its purple pointed candled shocks.

                              by Bob Kimmerling