Compline

The drought continued  to the night,
sandals dusty in  peat and leaves
it was light, no more than six.
(late for us, the dog and me
an hour’s walk ,then Hobson’s Choice
a pint ,within the statute limit)
Black lace stockings on the fence
reminding me of earlier days,
when nylons, too expensive
to discard so carelessly
were folded for another day!

Through the ginger bracken
the woodland more open now
the  birches, lost their leaves
oaks orange red, acorns in their pipes,
today  the  same as yesterday
as will be tomorrow.
Compline beneath gothic pines,
echoing modes and plainsong chants
The last office as the day fades,
an evening star to light the aisles
lace stockings on the fence.!