Beaujeu

Pretty Chiroubles, 

silent on its lofty perch

casts a caring weather eye

across the gentle rolling hills

now festooned with naked vines.

Where the rose-pink granite

is scrubbed away

a weak November sun

tints the unpicked wasting fruit. 

A new season is at hand,

the summer’s vibrant sap retreats

and sarments burn on wispy fires,

lazy blue/grey smoke 

amongst the Chenas oaks

quells a distant buzzard’s squeals 

around the Morgon Cote de Puy.

© Graham Sherwood 01/2020