Christine Coleman

Christine Coleman comes from Sussex and now works in Adult Education in Birmingham, Several of her poems have won prizes. As part of the poetry ensemble Late Shift, she has performed at literary festivals, including Edinburgh. She also writes fiction.

When I Can Choose

I’ll live in a house with high ceilings,
and practise topiary.

Yew hedges will take root
along the skirting boards.

I’ll clip them into crenellations
below the roses on the coving,

gouge out small, square windows
to let green light spill in.

New fronds, bright as limes
will stroke my cheek, my palms,

and winter berries will kindle
the white tips of my fingers.

I’ll curl up on the springy floor
of camomile and thyme. Trace

familiar features in the dark.
Wind will stream up from the river,

clatter through the aspen leaves.
Drown out the one not chosen.