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.
"the Beatles didn't 'ave a monopoly on love, no-one does. It doesn't belong to John Lennon, it doesn't belong to Janis, it doesn't even belong to Jesus, love belongs to all of us. It's something we're all supposed to share," - Ami Bane, Pearls on the Road
Poetry and Prose by #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, Co-Author of #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, and Jan/Feb 2022 Spillwords Press Author of the Month
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.
"the Beatles didn't 'ave a monopoly on love, no-one does. It doesn't belong to John Lennon, it doesn't belong to Janis, it doesn't even belong to Jesus, love belongs to all of us. It's something we're all supposed to share," - Ami Bane, Pearls on the Road
Poetry and Prose by #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, Co-Author of #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, and Jan/Feb 2022 Spillwords Press Author of the Month
Photos-Poems-Haiku 
Reblogged this on Art, Music, Photography, Poetry and Quotations.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Another great write Derek. Loved it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Jings, thanks for kind comments and re blog, much appreciated 👍🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasure Derek. Have a wonderful day My Friend.
LikeLike
Beautiful, Derek. Old places need to be felt.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love your poem, how it explores the relationship among place, language, and the past.
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Derek. I was wondering if “pack road” referred to pack animals traveling it.
LikeLike
Excellent written imagery Derek. The moody lighting in your picture matches the feeling of connection to the local history.
LikeLiked by 2 people