Sherry anyone?

....Cloud shadows drag their hands across the white;
Rain prints the sudden darkness of its weight;
Sun falls and leaves the bleaching evidence of light....

Professor Andrew Motion was appointed by Britain's Queen Elizabeth the second as the Poet Laureate in 1999. He will complete his period of office at the end of this year. A tradition since 1688 the holder of the office is expected to produce poems for the observance of specific national events.

The salary of the Poet Laureate is around £21,000 p.a. not a lot for such an esteemed position. There is a special bonus paid upon completion of the Laureate's term of office, due to an ancient agreement with Spain,  Señor Motion will receive 650 bottles of fine Sherry.

The poet intends to donate half of his Sherry de Jerez to Pen International writers Association.  

....a shapely hand of cloud

emerges from the crowd

of airy nothings that the wind allowed

to tumble over us all day

and points the way

towards its own decay

but not before

a final sunlight-shudder pours

away across our garden-floor....