Granite stone, scattered in clatters beneath the tor;

Monolithic rock, embedded across the moor;

Where sunshine and showers, tease out the Lichen blooms;

Unfolding in waves under sunrises, sunsets and moons.

Carpets of moss-like Cladonia with branchlets pale;

Tumble like tufted foam, white coral reefs on soil;

Or soft and pale, growing slowly on stone crosses and walls;

Lichen means life, it means fresh air for all.

Found in undisturbed copses on ancient trees;

At home on decaying branches, deadwood and boughs;

A symbiotic union between fungus and algae;

Miracle of life, living art since the beginning in time.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf