ALLEGRO - ma non troppo
Someone conducts this garden from a score
marked with restraint: 'Be bright but not too much.'
The fuchsia nods consent, the fennel waves
agreement - and they try - but on the staves
of branches hang too many notes. I touch
fruit, petals, leaves and hear the brightness pour.
It's overgrown with colour, quick and light
and far too much to keep: within the plot:
the maestro can't control these laden plums;
blackcurrants riot as the quince tree drums
a roll ... they're on a roll ... they're off ... but not
allegro any more - and much too bright.
