A pine sequestered in Livonia
Into its spectral orbit yearly pulls
a drift of clove and ginger; pepper, cassia
Between unfurling feathers, yarns of wool.
They wrap the robins, cushion fruit and flower
Of winter of rose or aquifolium
And spin, entwine in fog with sea-like power
Supporting spheres which bob and softly turn.
The worlds of bells and choirs and harps and pipes
Transmit their gentle frenzy of twinkling strains
to brake and join this show and ghostly stipe -
Then the the weightless frost on needle tips reclines.
These syncopated items: sucked into its arms
Or shelter, 'neath its skirts and safe from harm.
