The view from your childhood window

is the Rowan tree.

It is a force of nature, protection

from malevolence and witches’ spells.

Think of it as the traveller’s tree,

it clears the path for the journey.

For Druids it is a portal,

gateway between the here and there.

Pick a berry, dry it, carry it with you

to where you must go now.

When you arrive look for the dogberry tree,

you will know it when you see it.

Press your palm upon its trunk,

think about the berry in your pocket,

fruit from the sorbus aucuparia

grown in our garden across the sea.

Hold that berry in your hand,

it will be surer than a compass.