You classify the mist as Stratus
Taxus baccata stands guard
Water reflects the projector beam
Ilex aquifolium bears red fruit
Your fingers trace the film edge
Canal water tastes of iron
Each frame a specimen to press
Winter holds its breath below
Canal taxonomy you write
Latin names for fog and light Projectionist and botanist
Bridge keeper of the winter mist
Hedera helix climbs the brick
You spool the reel with steady hands
Salix alba weeps in fog
Focus pulls on trembling reeds
Your fingers trace the film edge
Canal water tastes of iron
Each frame a specimen to press
Winter holds its breath below
Canal taxonomy you write
Latin names for fog and light
Projectionist and botanist
Bridge keeper of the winter mist
Quercus robur drops its leaves
You note the hour on the dial
Alnus glutinosa roots drink deep
Light fractures through the aperture
Canal taxonomy you write
Latin names for fog and light
Projectionist and botanist
Bridge keeper of the winter mist
Betula pendula shivers white
You catalog the grain and scratch
Populus nigra stands sentinel
Frames advance at twenty-four
Canal taxonomy you write
Latin names for fog and light Projectionist and botanist
Bridge keeper of the winter mist
Fagus sylvatica holds copper leaves
You wind the tail to empty core
Carpinus betulus keeps its watch
Dawn breaks on the singular
Canal taxonomy you write
Latin names for fog and light
Projectionist and botanist
Bridge keeper of the winter mist
Specimen labeled and filed
Fog lifts from the water line