Heatwave

The air still, nothing moves
still on still and limp the willow,
sentinel trees and silent grass,
quiet the copse, folded wings
fear to stir the silent air;
proscenium clouds watch,
still, still the silent grass
sleeps or is it 'wake,yet still?
Dare not  breathe or lean the gate
'til breezes cool the sweating air,  
blackbird's silent song, gaping beak
reflecting in the water,
worms still, serpentine congress
and pigeons cease to love,
colours dry on a leaning easel
silent, still . . still.
a silent twelve from the noonday steeple
pendulum pendant . . . . still,
the clock burdened with its weights,
the thirsty fountain,  still
no splashes disturb  reflected clouds
gold fin and frogs sleep,
lily beetles cease their depredations
greenflies lying with the ladybirds
as all is still . . .still on still.