And I Heard Again Those Voices

And I heard again those voices, 
 Buoyed upon a murmuring wind, 
   And oyster-catchers with their
  Distinctive, shrill-piping call;
The plaintive cries of floating 
 Curlews,
   Carrying on that wind, 
  As spilt sunset
Settled over the ruby-red, wine-coloured
 Moor.
   Blazing purple heathers --
  Distant bellows from rutting stags --
The whirling grouse...
 And close by, opposite my quiet little
   Door,
  Seldom seen otters, whistling when
Calling their playful mates,
 Splashed and sported in shallow runs
   And shadowy pools:-
  Opaque, amber waters, swathed
In brilliant starlight,
 Reflecting intensity displayed overhead;
   Night's rich velvet skies encrusted in
  Sparkling jewels.
 
Yes, as darkness begins to fall,
 With drowsy eyes half-shut...
   Again, I see and hear it all.  
 
  For it is certain, I have now become 
Familiar with what is truly meant...
 To have to endure an ever waking 
   Discontent.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020


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Date: 7/26/2025 11:45:00 PM
So vivid and moving, John. I felt like I was right there in the scene—then that quiet ending hit me. Beautifully done.
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Fleming Avatar
John Fleming
Date: 7/27/2025 4:48:00 AM
You are most welcome, Rowena. When I was in my teens, I used to travel up to Scotland and spend weeks at a time on a moorland farm, in Ayrshire, called Barjarg. The man who ran the farm was a tenanted farmer called Bertie McCulloch. I used to stay in a caravan right next to the River Cree...it was only fifteen paces from the vans door. Twenty miles of river to cast my fly - happiest days of my life! :) john P.s never to come again.
Date: 5/2/2021 1:53:00 AM
Sights and sounds of discontent dreams. We yearn for them to as you relay this lovely place in imagery. Hugs...Kim
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Date: 4/28/2021 4:07:00 PM
Very descriptive and creative work. I could almost see the scene and hear the birds and animals. Your visit to my page was encouraging. Sara
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Date: 1/10/2021 5:19:00 PM
My dear John seems I have been lax in reading your words of late! I do hope you will forgive me!? But as always you spark my interest and keep me coming back for more!:) All my affection Brenda
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Date: 12/28/2020 1:20:00 PM
wow, this is such an interesting ending on this very desriptive poem, as if it all were a dream? You are exellent with imagery!
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