Robert makes monthly visits to his elderly mother who lives in beautiful Queenstown. Sometimes I accompany him. Last month the signs of Spring were everywhere. A treat for the senses.
Scottish / Celtic custom has it that a rowan tree be planted outside homes to ward off ill luck. It is known as the Tree of Life, symbolising courage, protection and wisdom.
A small poem about another mountain, Cecil Peak, which can be seen from the kitchen window.
Cecil Peak, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
It’s snowing on Cecil,
his flanks vulnerable
wherever the sun shines
on scowl of rock. Screes
and gullies frigid
with weather frozen solid.
Kay McKenzie Cooke
Meanwhile back home the kowhai has nearly finished, reaching that mucky stage where sticky flowers rot to tobacco-brown on the ground beneath, which in the case of one of our trees results in our lawn becoming caked with blossom past its Best By Date.
It’s been a full month with one thing and another. But there are things to show for it – my new office / writing room! for one. I’m loving the freshly-painted space. (Much obliged to my daughter-in-law Kate for doing this for me. It was no easy task – stripping wallpaper, sealing, gibstopping etc. etc.) We used Natural Paints (ordered and delivered promptly – great online service) with no chemical smell – I thought it smelt like apples, Kate thought aniseed. Now I’m just waiting for some Roman blinds I’ve ordered and to choose a new lampshade.
And I want to put up the large ‘Poet’ painting my son painted for me. And I’d love a generously-sized noticeboard …
Along with some news (which I shall share when the time seems right) about my fourth poetry book, there are three exciting poetry events in three different locations I’m looking forward to. (See my Coming Events Page for details). It’s good to have things to look forward to.
11th Letter In 