Country Song

`Lily of the Valley (Convalaria Majalis, fam. Lilliaceae). Grows wild in N. England. Commonly cultivated. Flowers in May. Berries red when ripe. Leaves particularly poisonous because three constituents depress the heart, like Foxglove.' What are the constituents that depress the heart? the scent of lilies in dark green silences under trees milkweed and ragwort and sunshine in hedges small flowers picked amongst trees when it's raining A year ago You planted lilies in the valley of my mind There were lilies at the bottom of my garden And ferrys at the bottom of my street Now I sit here in sunlight with the smell of wild garlic Trying to tape record the sound of windflowers and celandines Wondering What are the three constituents that depress the heart Without you here in the country?