A poem by Helen Ivory

 
Of Rocks and Pebbles:
A Lesson in Geography
 
We have noted temperature
during mountain range formation
can rise to such high levels
that rocks begin to melt into granitic magma
but this will rarely reach the surface of the earth.

We have drawn for you a schematic section
through a volcano
noting the plutonic rocks, the extrusive rocks;
we have even drawn the veins
that lead from the volcano’s heart.

Moreover, we have shown you how a chapel
can be perched atop
a ninety metre larval spine.
We hope this message finds you well.
We give you angels
we give you song.
 
 
Helen Ivory is a poet and artist. Her fourth Bloodaxe collection Waiting for Bluebeard is due next year.