Jerusalem Sonnets

Yesterday I planted garlic,

Today, sunflowers – ‘the non-essentials first’

Is a good motto – but these I planted in honour of

The Archangel Michael and my earthly friend,

Illingworth, Michael also, who gave me the seeds –

And they will turn their wild pure golden discs

Outside my bedroom, following Te Ra

Who carries fire for us in His terrible wings

(Heresy, man!) – and if He wanted only

For me to live and die in this old cottage,

It would be enough, for the angels who keep

The very stars in place resemble most

These green brides of the sun, hopelessly in love with

Their Master and Maker, drunkards of the sky.