The first lesson today is pruning the roses,

my wife the headmistress misses nothing.

The little children have been quiet in their beds

all winter long - now they need haircuts, sprucing. 

 

Some big bully shrubs were expelled last year,

others warned with severe cutbacks.

Daffodils in clumps put up their hands

in buckets, bowls, pots-

"look at us, we're here to please!"

They are the least patient, vying for attention

with snowdrops and crocuses. 

 

I move them to catch more sun,

kicking the dull stuffiness of winter

in the arse;  and so we, the old pretenders

summon weary will to action, moving now

in colder shadows, the incinerator

laced with thorns. 

 

We know full well that nature will come

knocking soon enough to collect

the big debt for a life's control ,

but for now we have risen early,

to enjoy the illusion of youth.