Wilderspool Causeway

On this leaf-strewn path of rotting wood,
between backs of houses and the railway line,
splintered oaks lie, stand and enclose

a bigger house on pristine grasses,
too open and alone to retreat within
for winter fires to thaw the cold of Labrador
which settled into our bones on the walk.

An old Toyota utility vehicle,
white and rusting around the wheel arches,
sinks among maples

as red kites circle through wood smoke
over fallow fields and a distant lock-up
stores future reports.