A walk in Hagley park

A Walk in Hagley Park

I step into an oasis of peace
within the beating heart of Christchurch.
A lake stretches wide before my feet
a stairway to heaven rising from the water,
as my mind drifts into another realm,
dappled light dancing on the dust.

Soul-soothing air drifts among
gnarled and wrinkled trees,
their energy lingering in the breeze.
Sprigs spun with lush green leaves
transform to rusty red and amber,
then bare, arms open wide,
finally bursting in flamboyant floral frills.

A carpet of green rolls out across the park,
framed by magnolias and begonias.
The rose garden bursts with color
reds, pinks, purples blending soft
I zoom into the curling petals
huddling around the stem of a red rose,
its fragrance full of whispered promises,
penetrating deep into my senses.

The Avon River hugs the park,
its long arms cradling bobbing boats.
Splashing sounds and waves of laughter
compose a melody of joy.
A proud peacock watches from afar,
perched beside the fountain that overflows
with singing water and serene calm.