WELCOME

Welcome to the violet haze of bluebell
woods, to holloways and chalk streams,
sea-silk billowing to the horizon, mist
puddling in fields, spider's webs etched
with rime, to numberless stars, the smells
of cinnamon buns and rain on concrete;
the voice of the wren and Bob Marley
on a sunny afternoon; the tang of ginger
beer, liquorice and blackcurrant jam;
to our honeyed songs and rocking arms,
our hopeful dreams, fussing and fretting,
laughter, quiet sleep, warm skin, kind
words. Welcome to you: blood of my blood,
heart of my heart, world of my world.