Archive for August, 2011

Gortenbuie

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

Gortonbuie

All is calm in the land of giants,
On a rare windless day,
Water the only sound,
Life has stopped.

The sheep, still in the roofless cottage,
Belongs there as much as any,
Regular visitor, like us it has not moved
As the heavens move all.

The generations have not returned,
Chilled hearth, three chimneys,
One lofty precious pot survives,
Defiant, hope in an unforgiving land.

Two oaks guard the ruin,
Glacial debris,
Turf covered stone,
The eagle, the stag and the mountain hare.

Revolutions pass and global markets crash
But here the peace is deep,
Across the glen shadows creep,
Expectations of tomorrow.

Time rediscovered, absent clock,
Decisions of the day fundamental,
Seconds counted by the foot, unscientific measure,
Tired, we lie in our beds and absorb the noise.

Scottish roadside signs

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

Soft tyres waste fuel
Always wear a lifejacket on or near water
Be a courteous driver
Don’t drive tired
Watch your speed
Drive carefully
Drive to road conditions
Tiredness can kill, take a break
Heavy rain and flooding forecast, drive with care
Don’t text while driving, don’t risk it

Back over the border the nature of the signs changed:
A1 (S) night closure, 14th August