Midsummer

First, choose a night that keeps the heat of day.

Next, order cool breezes from willow trees

soaked overnight in dark mysteries. Then,

remove bath from bathroom and place amidst

a filigree of ferns in folds of lime trees.

Now, frost rim of bath with silver moonlight,

line base with lemon verbena leaves and

place wild honeysuckle on taps. Slowly,

fill to brim with infusion of rosemary.

Order peacocks to open a jewelled screen.

When all is secret and silent remove clothes;

consume fig and elderflower salad.

Roll in rose petals, place parsley in ears

submerge body in water, dissolve all fears.

Rebecca Farmer

Rosa "Eglantyne," "Sceptre'd Isle," "Rosa Mundi," "Septre'd Isle."