The Topiary of Passchendaele

Clip the box precise,
        make corners a right angle
and thus contain the Cherry tree
        in a low wall of green.
Lower the cypressus
        to see the horizon file of poplars
flickering in afternoon wind.
         Make it horizontal, check
with a spirit level,
         always control height –
all needs daily attention
          before cheese, fine cheese
and beer, fine beer.
 
Order these gardens,
          contain the beds and herbs,
they must be shielded, neat.
            Allow no thistle or spurge,
ground must be raked clean, pure –
            cleansing makes for calm.
Be exact in measurement,
            correct in the lie of paving,
check privet, manicure the arborvitae.
            It is imperative to be uniform.
It needs hourly attention
             before cheese, fine cheese
and beer, fine beer.
 

Christopher North

third prize, Open Competition, Poetry on the Lake (Italy), 2018;
in pamphlet collection The Topiary of Passchendaele, 2018, Smith|Doorstop Books,
ISBN 978-1-9121961-1-1