Inspired by all three works of art by John Law, Kerfe Roig, and Jane Cornwell

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Is it once upon a time, or always and forever,

the wind and sky whisper
the sound of light and shadow,

timebound and timeless? Like magic, the flowers come,
white snowdrops, then red roses, and finally autumn golden
chrysanthemums, a wave of sunglow against the browning earth–

and turtle, ancient and wise, moves
through each season, each year, steady–
does he carry the impulsive rabbit?

So, the elders say. Be like the turtle, cautious, constant,
they warn you, do not go out alone,
your dark cloak will turn blood-red–

woman-child, it is your sin, remember
you must not tempt the wolves.

But like a turtle, you are wise. You know a man is not a wolf,
that it doesn’t matter what you wear—

and you dream—and…