...for Ruby
yesterday, I heard winter crows,
lined up like ink spots on bare branches,
coarse calls to gray winter skies,
clever eyes that held secrets,
of things we should know,
but do not.
last night, I heard an owl call her name,
echoed in the hollow,
rolling up pale frosted hills,
swirled into the snowflakes,
and last summer's sighs,
fading upward into clear winter's night.
today, I heard deep lowing,
of shaggy highland cattle near,
slow rambles to their sunset,
and greener pastures far, far away,
with laughing eyes and long horned wisdom,
one last look back, then turned away.
Snow chickens dust the high moors.
White partridges grounded by rain
crouch and huddle
burrow into the gorse
then as if forgetting the storm
they heave up into the wet air
just a little way
just enough to
cluck, bluster, and rattle,
then to settle back
scolding and flustered
as only termagant ptarmigan
can.
Binoculars tight to eyes,
soaked, ankle deep in mud -
chilled to the bone.
Highland cattle
stare back blankly
as if I were just another
silent P.
Snow chickens dust the high moors.
White partridges grounded by rain
crouch and huddle
burrow into the gorse
then as if forgetting the storm
heave up into the wet air
just a little way
cluck, bluster, and rattle,
only then to settle back
scolding and flustered
as only termagant ptarmigan
can.
Binoculars tight to eyes,
soaked, ankle deep in mud -
chilled to the bone.
Highland cattle
stare back blankly
as if I were another
silent P.
What can make the heart grow fond
I'll give you the tip
Nothing can satisfy your taste
Like Scottish Steak and chips.
Juicy highland cattle steaks will
melt just past your lips
feeding well the hungry soul
That's Scottish steak and chips.
What can put some fat on you
on your frame and hips
you'll never ever fade away
With Scottish steak and chips.
There's no food in this modern world
whether haggis, burgers or fish
that can match the beauty and taste
of Scottish steak and chips.
TV chefs seem unawares
and seem so ill equipped
of talent, skill and feel required
to cook Scottish steak and chips.
No need to be serious
Always poems to make you think
Need a bit of humour
Eating Scottish steak and chips.
When grandchildren ask about the nation's dish
"is it haggis or whisky nips ?"
I'll lean back in my rockin' chair
eating Scottish Steak and chips.