Hurst

My thoughts drift south
to the old cottage
on the lonely moor
where the owls yet swoop

Long since
did the sun there set
but memories remain
of that final meeting

Looking out west
over the sweeping fells
where the pheasants strut
and the golden light lingers

You could only look then
at where you could go
just a year before
for many a mile

You drifted out of my sight
as the train pulled away
taking you unwittingly
out of my sight forever

We retraced your steps
among the ancient valleys
in that warm summer
now a decade gone

The years have marched on
don't think we'll be back there
on the lonely moor
where the owls yet swoop

Do not look back

Yes I can still see you
in the doorway of your little house
the evening sunshine
behind your welcoming smile

I still see your homestead
full of the things of your years
your little companion
as the sun set behind you

I recall the struggle
with loneliness
in amongst that
empty beauty of Uist

You came back to me tonight
a tap on the shoulder
from beyond this earthly life -
do not look back

My mind rests

My mind crosses south
beyond the confines
of the arboreal
pale light

My mind rests
among the trees
where the summer light
remembers you

My mind rests
among stars
as yet unseen
below the faithful Sirius

Canopus guides
the summer skies
where the mermaid
swims strongly

My mind rests
in the dunes
where the pines sigh
and the surf laments

The daylight lingers
in the far northwest
where age is bearing
down on you

My mind rests
at the midnight hour
but where darkness
does not fall

You remain
and always will be
in my mind in and
beyond this world