Snow Day at Olveston Gallery

Pitt St. is snow creased with an icy topping. 

Even cautious cars collide, setting off 

a chain reaction. 

Through the flake-thick sky an aeroplane rumbles,

sounding like skateboards weaving

down City Rd.

Spring flowers realise they’ve sprung too soon, 

and appear to be shrinking back into the soil -  

and I’m not talking about violets.

The gardeners could be bit parts in Midsomer Murders, 

crunching through the gravel, gloved and face masked lugging 

bags - probably compost, possibly bodies.  

I thought I had David Kilgour and Sam to keep me company,

but it’s only cover music - the cd is sleeping 

in the stereo at home.

Ruth Arnison bio Ruth has recently retired which means her garden and writing are finally receiving the attention they deserve. She's the instigator of Lilliput Libraries - there are now 420 throughout New Zealand - and was the editor of Poems in the Waiting Room (NZ) for its 13-year lifespan. Poetryinmotion is Ruth's latest passion – arranging collaborative projects with poets and artists of all mediums.

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