Cupboard Love

Nature, in very early years
meant blackberries for free,
bluebells and primroses to pick,
cuckoos for toys that shouted out their name.

Later, the bubbling curlew and the woodwind beck
were descants to the song of love,
wild roses — trophies for him to offer;
mountains, mere backcloths for desire.

Absence made use of such accessories
for symbols to keep warm
the bed of love. Even in final loss
they brought some form of comfort.

Stripped to her naked self
Nature has nothing more to say.
I see I never loved her
for herself alone.