Robert Graves: Sweet Cauldron of the Five Trees

Tree powers, finger tips,
First pentad of the four,
Discover all your poet asks
Drumming on his brow.

Birch peg, throbbing thumb,
By power of divination,
Birch, bring him news of love;
Loud the heart knocks.

Rowan rod, forefinger,
By power of divination
Unriddle him a riddle;
The key’s cast away.

Ash, middle finger,
By power of divination
Weatherwise, fool otherwise,
Mete him out the winds.

Alder, psychic finger,
By power of divination
Diagnose all maladies
Of a doubtful mind.

Willow wand, ear finger,
By power of divination
Force confessions from the mouth
Of a mouldering corpse.

Finger-ends, five twigs,
Trees, true-divining trees,
Discover all your poet asks
Drumming on his brow.