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The yew tree stands next to the Saxon chapel

Older than memory, its bifurcated spine

Propped and roped to protect its fragile life.

The yew tree stands

And so when the long Man's cutters grappled

With chalk or made their way in line

Along the cursus, with skin drum and bone fife,

To celebrate the solstice, as the knife

At sunrise cut across the downs to shine

Continuance to a valley, damp and dappled.

The yew tree stands.

Brian Hick March 2014

©copyright Sally Hick 14.4.25