Lichen on old granite stone, 

Scattered in clatters beneath the tor.

Lichen unfolding in waves, 

Under sunrises, sunsets and moons.

Soft and pale, silvery grey, 

Growing slow on stone crosses,  walls and gates. 

Where sunshine and showers,

Tease out the Lichen blooms.

Monolithic rock, soft to touch,

Coated in lichen, heather and moss.

Flourishing on deadwood branches,

In curly swirls so fancy.

At home in ancient copses,

Adorning boughs, trunks and branches.

A magical symbiotic union,

A partnership of fungus and algae.

Carpets of coral-like Cladonia,

With branchlets so delicate yet sturdy.

Lichen is a miracle of life, 

Living art since the beginning of time.