The Red Moss of Glen Affric

The phantoms of Glen Affric call
from deep within the histosol,

where time and matter’s slow decay
of misty glen and ancient fray,

conceal Mackenzie ghosts in wait
with weapons drawn to greet their fate

of claymore blade; of Celtic cross,
to shed the blood of William Ross,

and stain the sphagnum bryophyte,
his soul to cut and extradite.

Amidst the whipping hilltop squall
is heard their eerie battle call,

where shadow soldiers groan and splay
upon the hazy, darkened brae.

As well, the loose of blood and spate,
to curse the earth and consecrate,

the peat to quench; the land emboss,
forever running red the moss.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Loving Iii Avatar
August 13, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Thank god I found you today , but I see you comming at far apart dates. It comes when the inspiration hits. Keep up the good work.
Fleming Avatar
August 13, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Quite brilliant, Thvia - fantastic poetry! So darkly atmospheric and brooding...puts you right there. Very impressed! :) john
Greenhough Avatar
October 23, 2024 at 4:14 AM
This is a pleasure to read. Rhyme and story are fascinating. There are so few of these great historical poems.thank you .
Brewer Avatar
March 28, 2020 at 6:31 AM
An immediately striking poem with traditional form rhythm and rhyme (not to mention an education in Scottish soil and flora!). Rousing patriotic verse deserving a prime place in any associated anthology. Very well done, Thvia.
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 9, 2019 at 6:40 PM
Hello Thvia Shetley, You did well with this poem. I have enjoyed it. have a nice evening my friend.
Mo Avatar
August 12, 2019 at 2:21 AM
Why this does not have a billion comments is beyond me. If this were poetrysoup of old I would have given it a string of sevens. A fabulous write and a fav of mine
Mo Avatar
August 12, 2019 at 3:43 AM
I hope it does come back. Circa 2012 to 2015 ps was definitely different. Thanks for your kind comments on my poetry
Shetley Avatar
August 12, 2019 at 3:30 AM
Thank you for your kind words. I post very infrequently and have definitely noticed a decline in interaction on the site. I hope it makes a comeback.
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