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This poem was inspired by a workshop led by Susan Skinner on ‘The Moving Line’ and involved using words about movement in relation to a picture.

PEACE OF AN ENGLISH GARDEN

Peace of an English garden

this summer afternoon,

a gladness of being together

with uninterrupted flow

of tea time chat,

a four o’clock tradition.

Table set, smooth white cloth, sliver pot,

mute formality.

Intrusive ripple of a breeze,

dispersing heat from rays of sun

which beat on fashion hated heads

of these four gracious ladies

seated round the laden table.

Wandering clouds bring relief

and shadow summer’s sun.

The flowers brace themselves

against oncoming winds.

Betty Hackman.