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  1. Culture
  2. Poetry
8 December 2021

The NS Poem: The Path

A new poem by Will Eaves.

By Will Eaves

On the far side of the high bridge
stands a clump of willows
losing leaves
in the blank November lamplight.
The morning is all angles and degrees
like the coots practising lift-off
in their quarter of the pond
or the willows stopped
by nothing in the act of falling.
Two dark moons of mistletoe
in the treetops
lend themselves to the air of observation
and habit below:
half-inflated swans seeing off dogs,
a pair of crows discussing their arthritis,
people carried round the park
on a thin grey carousel.
Last leaves stencil the white horizon
with waders’ feet
and the bridge is behind me.

Will Eaves is the author of five novels, two books of poetry and, most recently, a book of essays, “Broken Consort” (CB Editions)

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This article appears in the 09 Dec 2021 issue of the New Statesman, Christmas Special

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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