If Not These Hills

by Stephen Keeler

If not these hills
this sea has always been here hereabouts
getting and begetting rain.

If not the fells
the sun has always seared somewhere near
grinding deep into the cooling rock.

If not this strand
the tide has always rested here close by here
bringing shell and shale and sifting sand.

If not a garden
the sky has always hung here always
drawing up the earth and its outrageous colours.

If not you and me
the earth will stay here hereabouts
for a little longer

turning both of us without love
into a bed for lovers
very much like you and me.