Twilight, Gran Canaria

Our gatherings this summer have brought with them stories of water and nature from all over the world - writers' holidays. As we move into winter again the cosy woodstove cabin will be cheered by the memories of warmer places and times. 


Twilight, Gran Canaria by Pat Sutherland

The sky painter signalled sundown
with a primer of peach,
a random wash of silver-grey;
drew a menagerie of fabled beasts,
shape shifters transforming
from phoenix to turtle in an instant
against a backdrop drifting
between blush and crimson.
One burning bar descended
into black ocean
and was quenched.

"Trees" on Loch Lomond

Cruise Loch Lomond again played host again, on 20th September, to a glorious day of writing and pondering trees after Gerard Manly Hopkins inspiration... his "beadbonny ash"

Aileen's art is a breath of fresh air!

Porthole

by Pat Sutherland

Through the porthole
the trees pass in procession,
graceful branches Tai Chi swaying.
Dog roses drift in, blowing
pink kisses,
bramble blossom promises
bounty to come.


Nature has reached her peak,
her zenith of greenness,
parading in full uniform,
epaulettes and all,
waving her flags.

Today she cares nothing
that her colours will rust
and winter will snatch her curling leaves
and scythe her grass:
for spring will follow
to herald another summer
celebration.

Nature through the porthole
affirms the fatal dissonance,
our niggardly four seasons:
we bud and grow, blossom
and wither, rootless
 in arid earth
that knows no spring.

This day, of sun and dappled shadow,
of light on water
we will hold dear.