Timescapes (poem)

Timescapes

Long after the summer’s
gone, much preening later
chills speak, suddenly
to the spine
Of changed times

Winter stays cold
With uneasy comforts.
Self-imposed warmers
Turn irritants, and
The brief spring
Is gone before its savoured

The Time Traveller
Stands still, discovers
New landscapes
In patient non-movement

Respectful appellations turn
Painful reminders
Of age, unfulfilled desires.
Longing acquires wistful dignity

In the autumns of the mind
Falling leaves
Have the shine of spring mornings
and the blessed breath of Life itself.

The body stays put
with someone else
who must explain,
and be explained to.

© N. Madhavan, 2008