the first [of the month] and the last [day]

it does not make sense that it is all over so quickly
but it does make sense that the last retreat of the year
ends on a sweeping high

today
after making iceflower dye [thankyou Jo for the frozen fleurs]
and string [for the gift of which we gratefully acknowledged Nalda Searles]
we gathered up our bundles
...those pieces soaked yesterday afternoon and
simmered last night;
a long night with feasting [delicious vegetarian pizza from a small woodfired oven]
and much storytelling
and a little song...
we went back to the sea

rolled the bundles into the waves
undid the string
and marvelled as the seawater worked magic
deepening the colours of the dyes

the leaves that floated off into the waves
were mere shadows of their fresh selves
having left their mark and magic in the cloth
so
we are sure they will do no damage to the fish that silvered past us
there are other trees overhanging the shores
that drop fresh leaves into the sea
in far greater quantities