Blackthorn

The blackthorn
Is not slow
To show
Itself today,
Hedge white
Along the edge of fell

The gorse
Is aflame
In corners
Just before
The forest floor.

Such profusion
Of an early Spring
This Holy Week
Will bring.

Here today
The day of palms
Held together
Or on high
Strains of jubilation
In the choir

Until, in days to come
The Black thorn
Shorn of flowers
Must become a crown.

JL April 1st Palm Sunday 12:19