Damaris West

Ayr, Scotland

Damaris is author of a large body of poems, many of them celebrating the natural world and places she has lived which range from the Norfolk coast to Central Italy. Her poetry has appeared most recently in The Writers' Magazine (issues 1 and 2) where an emotional connection to her home in Ayrshire is self-evident. She is comfortable writing in both free verse and more formal, traditional formats.  Damaris has also written 5 novels, 3 of which are published. They are likewise imbued with knowledge and appreciation of nature, especially areas close to the sea. She is currently working on memoirs of her time in Italy.

Poem  completed on 12^th April 2020.

Blooming gorse

“When the gorse is not in bloom, then kissing is out of fashion.”

I cannot see the gorse in bloom.

Is kissing therefore out of fashion

Due to lockdown in my room?

The News conveys our global doom.

Because excursions are on ration

I cannot see the gorse in bloom.

Nothing penetrates the gloom.

My eyes are dull, my skin is ashen

Due to lockdown in my room.

No bride-to-be can kiss her groom

But likewise I deserve compassion:

I cannot see the gorse in bloom.

I cannot smell the sweet perfume

Of gorse – do you not share my passion?

Due to lockdown in my room.

When normal living can resume,

Kissing will be back in fashion.

I will see the gorse in bloom

Released from lockdown in my room.