Guest Poem by John Sewell

John Sewell has had several poetry collections published. His most recent is Woods River Road (Fair Acre Press), endorsed by John Burnside as "a wonderfully erotic celebration of sexual love". His work have appeared on radio and in various publications, including Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language; Oxford Poetry Books for Juniors; and Poetry Book Society Anthologies. Prizes include being a finalist in the Arvon International Poetry Competition. This poem is from Acumen 110.

St Lucy’s Day

1
This dark year’s end
is a short night’s passage
for the veteran oak.

John Donne’s passion
runs centuries beyond
his lover’s last embrace.

Neither recompense
off-sets our final days.

But let’s light a New Year
from the night that’s gone,
bring to overbrimmingness
our no-less-fervent kiss.

Blossom. Leaf-fall. Bud.
Let each year end like this.

2
Here’s to the almond blossom
to what it is in us

no matter the loss a season brings
it’s when not if, it shows again

in brightest petals
their scent of the forever

at every bend
of the path ahead.