Robert Melliard - Green Asturias

Please don't talk about the GREEN
of old Asturias (worse-known than Ireland) :
let's talk about the GREENS instead.

Let's note the sharp, deep gloss of holly
or the dense shine of grass
(so green it hurts, a southerner once said)
or odd imported shades like greyish eucalyptus
or tall dark pines and firs
with bright slim shoots on branch-tips.

Let's speak of light new growth on frail mimosas
or multi-coloured moss on dry-stone walls,
short unfurling leaves on native trees
or sad pale lichens on dead twigs.

So please don't talk about the GREEN;
count all the GREENS instead!

Robert Melliard

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/green-asturias/