I remember a walk
A nature walk
Our class in Atherleigh Woods
Children walking two by two
Orderly and good
Eileen Alldred left the line
And ran right up to me
And kissed me then to my surprise
Delight in memory
Today I see an Elm has died
A Wych Elm I am told
Wych means pliant bendy
Not good for fuel or build
But sturdy oh so sturdy
Eight hundred years or more
Now it has fallen to the ground
Lies broken on the floor
I found the woods a wonder
Tall trees standing there
Were they quietly watching us
Who strayed into their lair?
This a completely different world
Silent and serene
I always remember Atherleigh
And the kiss she dared to bring
Brian Fahy
5 January 2023
Erris Poetry 