Wilfred Wilson Gibson - HAMPSTEAD HEATH - 2012

On Hampstead Heath
Wilfred Wilson Gibson (1878-1962)

AGAINST the green flame of the hawthorn-tree,
His scarlet tunic burns;
And livelier than the green sap’s mantling glee
The spring fire tingles through him headily
As quivering he turns

And stammers out the old amazing tale
Of youth and April weather;
While she, with half-breathed jests that, sobbing, fail,
Sits, tight-lipped, quaking, eager-eyed and pale
Beneath her purple feather.