Then Comes June

Everyone danced around you

Made me dizzy

Intoxicated others

Like the maypole

Garlands were hung from you

Celebrating the joy of summer returning

But you transcended all seasons

Evergreen

Immortal

Maypoles are made of

Pine, birch, elm, ash

You are ash

And hold all the secrets of the dead

Maypole, you wrapped us tightly

In your beautifully coloured braids

Comforting, yet

Uneasy entanglement

Pleasing, yet

Troubled bondage

Soul ties promised

Safety and fun

But always at a price.

We all fell

As your ribbons unravelled

Hoping and praying

That when the maypole falls

Then comes June.