Photos-Poems-Haiku

To my American friends, this is about a small white country cottage, of which, there are many dotted about the Scottish countryside. It’s not about the big one over there, even though Apple Pages wanted to capitalise “white house” at every opportunity 🤗😉. The White HouseThe earth is breathing.A breeze pulsesthrough the calm wood,follows the… Continue reading The White House

Don’t ask me what these are all about, I haven’t a clue. Still, it was fun and that’s enough for me!

Still RiverThe river has stilled,just for a while, using this time,to gather togetherall those reflections,letting them sink in.There is no rush,no current, no flowto be carried on.It’s just a pause, a breath,as deep as my world,as deep as I can be. Derek Ross

Got to love Edinburgh, even when the weather is not the best.

NewsI’m searching inside my head,Trying to find the words,The ones that need to be said,The ones struggling to be heard.But, what use are more words,In a food bank or in Lviv?Sometimes your heart and thoughts,Are all that you can give.Derek Ross

October 2022A day has begun, the air is heavy,clouds, the colour of blood,adhere to the eastern sky,a creeping mist betrays the river.Crows have made the treetops their own, they mock the horsesin their paddocks, cows muster,as if sensing a coming storm.Crops have been gathered in,birds hang above stubbled fields,carried in a chill breeze, a leafdances… Continue reading October 2022

In a picturesque setting beside the crossing of the River Eamont in Cumbria, England, Brougham Castle (pronounced “Broom”) was founded in the early 13th century. This great keep largely survives, amid many later buildings – including the unusual double gatehouse and impressive ‘Tower of League’. Both a formidable barrier against Scots invaders and a prestigious… Continue reading Brougham Castle

Pack RoadI’m drifting along the old pack roadFrom Polmaddy to Braidenoch Hill,The way is lined with willow herbAnd by fractured dry stone dykes.Beyond them, a sea of pine treesBreak upon the slopes of The Rhins.My chart gives the name of the hills,Millyae, Millfire, Milldown, Carlins Cairn,Craigbrock, Corserin, Craignelder,But there is no real meaning here,old names… Continue reading Pack Road

SeptemberThe forest is breathingon the edge of September,but the trees are creakinglike time-worn bones.The turn is here again,With is no fanfare,just a dusting of lost leaves,sprinkled on forest ways.Still, there is a glintin the tree tops, enoughfor life to thrive in,a comfort, an affirmation,that we are not leaving, we are holding on,wringing each drop of… Continue reading September