Perch

Who knows how many years

it had avoided detection?

The rusting tip of a plough share,

come to light lately only

by the solitary investigation

of a curious child amongst the

furrowed troughs of clay

and brought home to be

presented as a holy relic

and placed on top of the wall

in the back yard and forgotten

again, by all except the birds,

that queue for a position

on the metal altar with dainty

pilgrim footfalls, as it warms

in the morning sunshine.

John H Davies

16th April 2011