In the Orchard in Spring

by Caroline Avnit

​

This poem is the first of my Poet Laureate poems, written specifically for National Blossom Day on the Sunday 28th April 2024, celebrated here in Stamford at the Stamford Community Orchard.

 

Follow the bees -

through the wooden gate

there lies an orchard,

ages old

 

gnarled trunks and tangled branches,

like limbs intertwined,

embrace the moment

clusters of white petals adorn the trees,

their perfumed scent captured by the wind.

 

Let us roll out a picnic blanket

and lie here for a while,

lost in thought

gazing up through the canopy of white.

 

All around the orchard

trees dressed in white blossoms

rise up in greeting,

with the sweet promise of tomorrow.

 

In this moment beneath the trees,

we can dream of October’s bounty

- slicing into crisp, juicy fruit;

    crumble on a Sunday afternoon,

       toffee-apples as a treat

 

And if you close your eyes

you can almost smell the cider

from apples, freshly pressed.

 

Can you feel it?

 

All around this orchard

nature is offering herself to you.

This orchard is more than a garden,

it’s an invitation,

a gift,

it’s hope.

 

Hold out your hands in thanks.