Almost a Spell.

Almost a spell I can tell you-

how to capture summer in a bottle

uncork the sweet perfume of where you walked

far from the traffic with its poisoned fumes

that spread their toxin on the blooms.

Don't take those heads

but choose instead a quiet hedge

in sunshine.

Thirty heads of lace,

place in a bowl with lemons

two, sliced thin.

Then in the bowl you sprinkle acid,

sugar,

drown with boiling water.

And, because it is a spell, you stir

twice every day

five days

and chant, if you wish,

while the infusion,

the beautiful potion strengthens,

scents the air.

And then you capture it -

summer in a bottle.

Recipe for elderflower cordial.

30 elderflower heads, picked in sunshine for the best flavour.

2 sliced lemons.

4 lbs sugar.

2  and a half oz citric acid.

2 and a half pints boiling water.