Framed in my April bedroom window,
the silver birch sparkles with emerald beads
as Spring’s renewal broadens its shadow
and joyful birds satisfy their needs.
Now in Summer its foliage fully grown,
it flies a tall green flag on a silver pole
and the wood pigeon sways on its lofty throne,
while the sight of the tree refreshes my soul.
Autumn may well be its most glorious season,
as its leaves turn to russet and gold,
which sadly it will soon jettison
and lay a magic carpet on my threshold.
Although with winter its branches will be bare,
Resplendent white silver bark its trunk will share.
Marie Paule Sheard
One of the Headingley Open Gardens collection. Click to see the full list