Harris Tweed

Look deep within these loosely-woven layers to find
primeval land with ocean, sky and wind entwined,
skilled hands and eyes of generations gone before
and peat smoke mingling with a sea mist on the shore.

In old and intricate design you may well sense
a solitary piper skirling a lament,
or view the purple heather blowing on the hill,
or hear soft-spoken memories echoing still.

Some bold and joyful as a vibrant summer’s day,
and others tinted as an autumn bride’s bouquet,
some speak of wilderness and yet untrodden ways,
some melancholic strangers to the sun’s sweet rays.

With insight woven and a clarity of mind,
the rhythmic textures of the land we see defined.
With colours of the seasons, each piece of cloth unique,
of planet Earth and nature’s harmony does speak.

Revered now far beyond its island home,
a homespun cloth of gold it has become.
Ambassadors for Scotland, yes indeed,
that’s whisky, Robert Burns and Harris Tweed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Theraven Avatar
January 31, 2021 at 5:36 PM
Peter, I enjoyed this Rhyme's theme. Nothing nearer to heaven than the land you describe. No finer Ambassadors than a single malt, a bard, and seann-fhasanta weave. -Richard
Theraven Avatar
February 16, 2021 at 7:53 PM
There's something in the air today. Now if only I can find the direction of the wind. -Richard
Rees Avatar
February 14, 2021 at 5:10 AM
Many thanks for this fine comment, Richard
Brewer Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 10:18 AM
Perfect descriptive, atmospheric writing, redolent of and as rich and pleasing as its Hebridean subject. Very well done, Peter.
Rees Avatar
February 14, 2021 at 5:09 AM
Thank you, Geoffrey. Glad you enjoyed.
Toney Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 9:23 AM
This is brilliant, Peter! A beautiful tribute to the the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. I’ve added this to my Fav Poem list. ~Mark
Rees Avatar
February 9, 2020 at 9:33 AM
I'm so glad this hit the spot with you Mark. Thanks for this lovely comment.
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