Literary Vegan

Duck weed is gathering green Forming continents on dark water.  Webbed feet balance on branches And the moorhen fortifies her twig mound As the pond grows colder. A slither of winter   Is snaking the air and under, The softest warning. A rat streaks across the stream, Hurried And the squirrels have extra handfuls of Berries My cardiganed arms are folded -  I too have to store these faces For when I'm surrounded by walls  And forgetful of the part of me That lives under trees  And heron wings.

  Tradition lingers Seeps down into the deep snow  Ghosts of animals

  On days like these I don't need flowers Or words That catch raindrops, Gleaming That are meant for The stream - Just another heartbeat On the other side of the blanket - Close enough To reign the rhythm Of my own, And walk it around Without moving.   c. LJ Ireton 2021  

The Sun has fallen a little, But stalls on my face And ponders the daisies, Ever happy  At my feet. I press my palms to the earth - I want to feel this peace As a tangible thing - Something I can still hold When twilight and worry Wade through the trees.

  Published Poems by LJ Ireton April 2021:  'The Chapel Stars'  Marble Poetry's first broadsheet:  https://www.marblepoetry.com/product/broadsheet-subscription/   May 2021: ' Nature's Beautiful Things'  Eucalyptus & Rose Literary Magazine:  https://www.eucalyptusandroselitmag.com/post/nature-s-beautiful-things   May 2021: 'The Magpie'  Minnow Literary Magazine: https://minnowliterarymagazine.com/   June 2021: 'Joining the Water Birds'   Chasing Shadows Literary Magazine: https://chasingshadowsmag.wordpress.com/   June 2021: 'The Turtle'   Green Ink Poetry: https://www.greeninkpoetry.co.uk/   August 2021: 'Nimue Watches' Noctivagant Press: https://www.noctivagantpress.co.uk/issues   August 2021: 'The Storm Summoner' Noctivagant Press: https://www.noctivagantpress.co.uk/issues   August 2021: 'When Flowers Sleep' The Fantastic Other: https://fantasticother.com/featured/issue-three-a-surreal-summer/  ...

She walked under mountain shadows Through her mind Barefoot on black sand Waiting for the moon That would decorate The stones around her feet And pull her back To the world Of snow-dusted peaks And perspective Where falling stars Were decoration And not omens Where clouds were Temporary distractions. Copyright LJ 2021.

    The birds of the sky know their freedom Keep us at a distance below, We who cage them And I respect that caution. But you are so wise, Little ones The perspective you have  Is what we need To get ourselves Off the ground.        Copyright LJ 2021.