Salix, Lake Garda

It was one of those confusing winter days: an intensely bright, cloudless day with a genuine nip in the air, but where the unfiltered sun made it warm enough to walk around in shirtsleeves. Heading out for a quiet walk along the shore of Lake Garda, away from Lazise and on towards Bardolino, I came across this striking Willow. Striking because it stood out from the other low-lying shrubs and hedges lining the path and in the neighbouring gardens. Striking also because of the way it appears to bow to gently kiss the surface of the water in the slipway. Under different conditions, it could present an eerie and foreboding sight; but today, in this bright sunlight, the scene invites contemplation, stillness and calm.

Bare boughs softly weep,
Trailing fingers in the mist
Brush tranquil water.