Ballad for Magnolia Season

Round the back of the terrace sits -
quietly, for three months or so -
a ghost with all its velvet wings
weaving silk, weeping snow

Walk me down the lane, old friend
down to the bend in the road
here, wear your crown of cerulean blue
it looks good on you, you know

Through the gate, given away
to a dusk of years before
sprays of stars, fires of white
wink at youth well worn

Fall as you will, with marriages
coating the cobbled square
next year, take my hand again
old friend, I’ll meet you there

Beth Punnett (she/they) is a poet based in North London. They write best when out walking, when memories are sharp and it's just them and their notes app. You can find them on Instagram - @poetbeth