I’m drifting along the old pack road From Polmaddy to Braidenoch Hill, The way is lined with willow herb And by fractured dry stone dykes. Beyond them, a sea of pine trees Break 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 have long since drowned In wave upon wave of other tongues.
Yet, I can get a sense of it all, In this landscape, this openness, This no nonsense grittiness. The old language was like that, Describing place, nature, purpose. Ancient voices still whisper here.
I have passed the hanging rock, Ahead, the hill of the carved cross. There, I will stop for a while, rest, Moor myself, to a past beyond me, Dip into the flow of meanings, The why and wherefores of journeys.
I am a photographer/ poet from Dumfries in South West Scotland. I concentrate on minimalist images and prefer using an iPhone these days. As far as my writing is concerned, I usually write short poems (some in Scots dialect), hence my interest in haiku and related forms.
Thanks Liz. Polmaddy is the remains of a settlement (ferm toon). The pack road was the main trading route that passed through Polmaddy. The settlement was abandoned when a newer road was built, bypassing the village.
This is an Art Blog covering many topics to do with art, how to draw and paint tutorials, style, as well as creativity in general. We blog about art, photography, recommend related products and give our best SEO tips for artists and bloggers. We'd love to hear from you so get in touch if you want to start up a conversation or a collaboration!
"I have enough time to rest, but I don't have a minute to waste". Come and catch me with your wise words and we will have some fun with our words of wisdom.
This is an Art Blog covering many topics to do with art, how to draw and paint tutorials, style, as well as creativity in general. We blog about art, photography, recommend related products and give our best SEO tips for artists and bloggers. We'd love to hear from you so get in touch if you want to start up a conversation or a collaboration!
Photos-Poems-Haiku 
Reblogged this on Art, Music, Photography, Poetry and Quotations.
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Another great write Derek. Loved it.
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Jings, thanks for kind comments and re blog, much appreciated 👍🤗
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Pleasure Derek. Have a wonderful day My Friend.
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Beautiful, Derek. Old places need to be felt.
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I love your poem, how it explores the relationship among place, language, and the past.
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Thanks Liz. Polmaddy is the remains of a settlement (ferm toon). The pack road was the main trading route that passed through Polmaddy. The settlement was abandoned when a newer road was built, bypassing the village.
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You’re welcome, Derek. I was wondering if “pack road” referred to pack animals traveling it.
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Excellent written imagery Derek. The moody lighting in your picture matches the feeling of connection to the local history.
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