a path through Michaelmas daisies

a swung-open gate

onto the flagstone pavement

past a blur of semis

Nana’s warm hand

navy court shoes, beige stockings

her slow steps 

around the corner            

a stretch of rhododendrons

white flowers, yellow pollen inside 

the fragrance of scent bottles −

you pull her to run      clutching

a paper bag of stale bread

through an archway 

gust of wind

oak trees      drifting leaves      

then, an opening:

a grassy slope down to the lake

the gliding of swans

scattering of mallards

crumbs on muddy water

the lapping