Cutting the Branches

Cutting the branches
With an umbilical snip.
Forfar (Athletic) too long they have obscured the view.
Oh tree thief, you've hidden the Aire Valley's jewels!

Cutting back the branches,
Jutting out ominously like mahogany walking sticks
Raised up to beat trespassing urchins.
To them, we are the urchins.
Spreading like ash dieback of the spirit.
Riddled with Dutch Elmlea disease.
"Oh, hard cheese Portia!"

Cutting branches,
Smashing skulls,
Snapping necks
Of Herring Gulls,
Clipping hedges,
Making fires,
Smoothing edges,
Staking vampires,
Digging potatoes,
Poaching plums,
Squeezing tomatoes,
Goosing nuns.
Hospital corners on your bed...
"I'm crushing your head!
I'm crushing your head!"

Cutting the branches.
Clearing away the dead wood.
Burying what's in the past
Like the wise guys say you should.
Wiping the slate clean.
Turning over a new leaf.
You've been crackling the pork.
I'll start corning the beef.

B.R. 26/05/2013