Poetic Pictures

Poems and Photography by Robert Dougall

Poetry

Wildlife and Nature

Wildlife and Nature

NOTE FOR ROB 🙂     THE SECOND FADED COPIES BELOW ARE ONLY FOR THE PLAIN POEM VERSIONS – WITH NO IMAGES – THE MOBILE PHONE VERSION

Animals and Nature

Night hunter,
eyes of light,
flashing in moonlit
skies.
Darkness,
feathered skin,
holding flight, in
night’s air,
skilled to catch,
the fastest prey.

Wise mouse,
whiskers bristling,
grass scurrying,
feeling the way.
Searching,
nest and safety,
danger circling,
move fast.

Swooping arc,
talons wide,
wings feathered, guiding
lightning descent.
Mouse twitches,
forward darts,
finds long grass,
hammering heart,
safety found,
serenely, owl,
flies into the air.

Perching in the topmost branches,

watching for a chance of prey,

hunting bird, yellow eyed,

waiting for opportunity,

to fall upon unwary bird,

or rabbit, solitary on the ground.

 

A dog barks.

The hawk takes flight,

leaving the safety of its tree,

it soars over the windswept lake,

a graceful sweeping

of broad wings,

and confident glides,

returning to rest upon a branch,

below birds are feeding,

unaware of its presence.

 

Sharp iron stare,

immobile, frozen in time,

we are silent,

with barely a perception,

the hunting bird slips into the air,

with thundering heart dives,

shadow falling first,

with a chorus of warning song,

small birds scatter,

into protective bushes,

the hawk stands watching,

its prey is gone.

I see before me,

a place to stay,

birds on the grass,

simple lives.

 

Life of a bird,

to nest, to fly,

to hunt insects on the wing,

dive and swoop,

arcing in pleasure,

on the wind,

ruffling feathers,

fast eyes impossibly sharp,

beak always ready to catch.

 

Life today is simple,

sit still for a while,

contemplate the future,

eat well, drink,

relax in sun,

walk by water,

question the Fates,

try not to worry,

and breathe. 

 

This seems easy,

our lives are entwined,

by common grounds,

a need for purpose,

and meaning are,

taken care of by contentment,

experienced now.

Drinking coffee in the dark,
sitting on an old deck chair,
comfortable to bear my weight,
with groans and clacks and creaks,
light spilling in to the roomy,
space of the conservatory,
considering tomorrow’s tasks,
an approach to tackle my problems,
meeting them headfirst.

 

It appears without warning,
silent and sleek,
pushing through trees,
large as a dog,
twice as real,
red fur, pointed nose,
running past me it goes,
through the bushes,
vanishing from sight.

 

The fox appears again,
trapped in the gardens,
considering which way to turn,
sniffing the air,
it walks away,
through the trees, disappearing
from sight.
it’s solution,
unable to go straight through,
was to go around,
the obstacle.

Seasons and Weather

Walking a familiar path,
to reach this remote place,
ice cold, patterned breath,
clouds of mist in blue white air,
alive it moves, it seems,
to have a will to disperse.

 

Through the gate and into the woods,
thin fingered twigs on bare branches point,
layered with soft snow fall,
sun glistening as droplets form.

 

Your eyes reflect the brightest life,
here I know you feel at peace,
joyful words you speak to me,
celebrating the joy to be right here.

 

We can always walk for hours,
warm enough despite the wind,
ice cold, bringing patterned frost,
decorating the grass and earthy ground.

 

Every winter animal,
is staying out of sight,
yet their tracks remain upon the ground,
we are just like them today.

Cold days approaching,

Wrap warmly, ice wind

chills down to the marrow,

To the very bone.

 

Prepare well for winter,

Short days of little light,

Some cheer is necessary,

To carry through the night.

 

Long shadows on white ground,

Black birds flown south,

Temptation to follow them,

To warmer climes.

 

Ice hanging clear and sharp,

Reflecting the light,

Reminding of life’s fragility,

It’s ever changing state.

 

Trees glistening bright,

Shading plants covered in frost,

Sunlight from a clear sky,

Brightening what is said to be,

The world in slumber,

Taking rest, for the year.

Autumn days,

blown with the wind,

golden leaves,

lightening the sky,

ink on paper,

words to express,

the changing seasons,

of our lives.

 

Late summer walks,

in dry or in rain,

complete adventure,

beginning again,

atmospheric landscapes,

bathed in sunlight,

rare sight of blue sky,

embracing the warmth.

 

Outer vitality,

the source, inner joy,

growing enthusiasm,

what matters the most,

stretch out a hand,

regarding the place,

that you occupy,

in this grand Universe.

The beginning of a quiet day, 

stepping forth into dawn’s solitude. 

Shunning any company,

enriching my chosen experience. 

To embrace the natural world,

fresh and new, as it is.

Walking alone, along this trail,

was my decision from the start.

My intention that on a day like this,

I appreciate, to the fullest extent.

All that nature has to offer,

giving my entire attention to the experience.

Glorious it is to see,

wooded fields and meadow displayed.

The brightest blue sky, bursting with birds,

a shy deer hiding at my approach.

This world is silent of human chatter,

only woodland sounds enliven these lands.  

Buzzing bees, in colours of flowers,

swaying grass, the field mouse’s bower.

Warm wind touching and stirring the leaves,

The forest choir singing in lilting harmony.

Water bubbling, flowing over smooth rocks,

my clumsy boots scuffing the dust of the path. 

At last, with ease, I relax,

my time in nature’s desired effect.

The path winds toward the rising sun, 

glancing back now and then.

To where I have come from,

realising where I am right now.

Sitting on a bench to enjoy,

sandwiches and a cup of tea.

The view is stirring, yet inwardly I peer,

stray thoughts seeping into my mind.

As I’m spending time with God, 

I’m reminded of what I left behind.

I know what I must do,

accept whatever comes to greet me now.

and pray, that I may still myself,

with gratitude to God for where I am today.

Before moving once again,

happy and accepting that I am well.

The ground is stony underfoot,

as I celebrate my given freedom.

That I can visit a place like this,

whenever I need to deal with stress.

Promising myself to return,

whenever I need some quiet time.

What awoke me, I don’t know,

was it the first dawn light,

streaming in the window?

Through the curtains it was plain

to see the sky was opening.

 

6am, a good time to rise,

to photograph dawn’s golden light,

sun rising over the loch,

reflecting on placid water,

unmoving, without a breeze.

 

Standing by water’s edge,

camera perched on tripod,

aligned to capture the mood,

the colour of the day,

light warming my senses.

 

Looking through the lens,

I merge into the scenery,

becoming part of the landscape

It’s been another ordinary day,

lived in this extraordinary world,

I’ll never take this life for granted,

my heart is fully alive,

for the promise of days to come,

in which I hope to find,

satisfaction and experience of gratitude,

with the fulfilment of my prayers.

 

I walk in the garden,

at midnight, in dim-light,

pale moon shining from the heavens,

passing tall slender trees,

branches brush my arms,

reminding me of a lovers touch,

the air smells of the meadow,

blossoming flowers,

I feel at peace,

and strangely not alone.

 

Breathing in sweet clean air,

taking firm steps upon the grass,

I walk to the bold fountain,

and sit down upon a bench of stone,

the cold is a necessary discomfort,

to endure, but for a while,

as I sit and gaze into the pool of water,

in which the pale face of the moon looks back.

 

Water ripples and is darkened,

it is time to travel on,

in deep appreciation of the day,

and the future that is to come.

Eight days in the wilds,

long enough to acclimatise,

to country air, 

purer than anywhere.

No electronics,

screens or communications,

just us and nature.

 

Take a breath and see,

if your lungs welcome this place,

if your eyes delight,

with the sun kissed greenery.

Relax in the shadows cast,

by the tall plants.

 

Sit still on the earth, peaceful,

feel the ground beneath you,

bearing your weight,

show your gratitude,

for the support.

There is an explanation,

to why we sit here,

silent and still

by the water’s edge.

 

Sharing good company,

and an experience,

of something greater

than this.

 

Sunlight on water,

calm pervades the atmosphere,

a revelation

for the afternoon.

 

Wind blowing waves,

bright sparking, alive,

trees reflecting upon

the surface.

 

Peace blossoming within,

simply sitting,

enjoying the view

from the shore.

 

Celebrating the day,

feeling the way,

the surroundings support

and nurture us.

Walking through the sunlit woodland,

among the ancient trees,

branches reaching over the path,

wild and free it seems,

a glance into the green, a surprise greets me,

crystal clear perception of the leaves.

 

Has the world changed?

are my eyes deceiving me?

reflected in the world of wood,

plants and swaying grasses,

the material light shining,

solid shades and shadows.

 

I recognise this experience,

of nature bold and full of life,

can I now hold on to it?

Is there anything material I can grasp?

To prevent time stealing,

this elation of the senses?

 

It was only momentary,

yet awoke a longing of experience,

for more of what was felt,

through every pore simultaneously,

being startled by beauty,

like waking up from winter,

to a summer’s day.

Resting against,

the old oak tree,

sitting here,

feet in flowing water,

enjoying the sound of laughter,

bubbling up from the ground,

closely followed by,

an animal running by,

footsteps barely making a sound.

 

A place of quiet,

and tranquillity,

earth dappled,

with burning sunlight,

illuminating cones,

twigs and stones,

leaves crisp as Autumn,

can make them whole.

 

Come the night,

oak shades the air,

moon glancing through,

branches bare,

ground is cold,

beneath your bones,

wind blows chill,

yet still you find,

a place to rest.

Sitting in the quiet room,

counting minutes, passing by,

staring at the windowpane,

view of rain in the world outside. 

Silence pervades the empty space,

breathing can be heard,

the sound of water falling on glass,

concentration comes and goes,

as memories compete to be heard.

Sipping coffee from an old mug,

rich taste, fragrant smell,

of wood and earth and fire,

comforting the inner self, a prayer.

Feeling content at last,

problems fade into nothing,

hope igniting a flame,

to burn away the past.

Nothing else to search for,

everything needed is here,

to explain this current contentment,

may take many an hour.

Suffice to say,

life can be good, despite the rain.

Sitting upon the couch tonight,

Aware of movement stirring outside,

The wind rising, sky darkening,

sense of potential in the air,

the capacity of something that will move me here,

as seconds stretch my withheld breath,

in anticipation of the coming storm.

 

Golden light breaks parting clouds,

shining between the window blinds,

as heavy drops fall from the sky,

a tension within me building inside,

the wind bending the tree branches back,

blowing the downpour diagonally across,

it is a wonder to see.

 

I’m enjoying the evening light’s display,

feathering across the carpet and up to my feet,

I feel blessed that I am indoors just now,

the weather is as wild as it could be.

The rain falls heavily,

my skin is soaked,

useless sticking jacket,

trousers running like a stream,

head bathed by the torrent,

clean tasting water,

eyes awash, wiped by sodden fingers,

wrists and forearms bathed,

chilling rain slithers down the spine,

despite the pack,

a grey blanket ahead,

this can all change in the beat,

of a drenched heart.

 

Wind blows East to West,

spirits rise as light appears,

shimmering on the horizon,

static clouds begin to move,

revealing blue sky, the sun a tear,

skin warming,

eyes shining,

moving onward, drying now,

despite the chill,

the rain has passed,

for a time at least,

moods will brighten,

the weather of the Scots.

Summit gained, tired,

together we climbed,

one foot and the next,

reaching the sky.

 

Experiencing the feeling,

touching the stone,

placed at the peak,

marking the path down.

 

Dark clouds in the distance,

wind chills the face,

rain on the horizon,

sky darkening.

 

Heavy drops start falling,

dressing quickly for the storm,

weather closing in quickly,

preparing now, still exposed.

 

Dressed for the storm,

nowhere else to go,

having lunch, getting wet,

still in good cheer.

Standing in the swirling snow,
without my glasses to see,
where I have come from,
where I am right now.

 

Breath making trails,
air alive with frost splinters,
when I came out here,
I didn’t consider the cost.

 

If I could return,
retrace footsteps now covered,
there is an opportunity,
of reaching familiarity and warmth.

 

Now, to travel on,
forge out a path in hope,
in the white blanketed night,
before being enveloped in the dark.

 

Self-resolve and determination fight on,
against the setting sun,
trusting in the best for me,
in this bright snowstorm.

 

There may be no path to follow,
accepting where I find myself,
knowing that somewhere ahead,
is my destination.

Sitting in the quiet room,

counting minutes, passing by,

staring at the windowpane,

view of rain in the world outside. 

Silence pervades the empty space,

breathing can be heard,

the sound of water falling on glass,

concentration comes and goes,

as memories compete to be heard.

Sipping coffee from an old mug,

rich taste, fragrant smell,

of wood and earth and fire,

comforting the inner self, a prayer.

Feeling content at last,

problems fade into nothing,

hope igniting a flame,

to burn away the past.

Nothing else to search for,

everything needed is here,

to explain this current contentment,

may take many an hour.

Suffice to say,

life can be good, despite the rain.

Sitting upon the couch tonight,

Aware of movement stirring outside,

The wind rising, sky darkening,

sense of potential in the air,

the capacity of something that will move me here,

as seconds stretch my withheld breath,

in anticipation of the coming storm.

 

Golden light breaks parting clouds,

shining between the window blinds,

as heavy drops fall from the sky,

a tension within me building inside,

the wind bending the tree branches back,

blowing the downpour diagonally across,

it is a wonder to see.

 

I’m enjoying the evening light’s display,

feathering across the carpet and up to my feet,

I feel blessed that I am indoors just now,

the weather is as wild as it could be.

The rain falls heavily,

my skin is soaked,

useless sticking jacket,

trousers running like a stream,

head bathed by the torrent,

clean tasting water,

eyes awash, wiped by sodden fingers,

wrists and forearms bathed,

chilling rain slithers down the spine,

despite the pack,

a grey blanket ahead,

this can all change in the beat,

of a drenched heart.

 

Wind blows East to West,

spirits rise as light appears,

shimmering on the horizon,

static clouds begin to move,

revealing blue sky, the sun a tear,

skin warming,

eyes shining,

moving onward, drying now,

despite the chill,

the rain has passed,

for a time at least,

moods will brighten,

the weather of the Scots.

Summit gained, tired,

together we climbed,

one foot and the next,

reaching the sky.

 

Experiencing the feeling,

touching the stone,

placed at the peak,

marking the path down.

 

Dark clouds in the distance,

wind chills the face,

rain on the horizon,

sky darkening.

 

Heavy drops start falling,

dressing quickly for the storm,

weather closing in quickly,

preparing now, still exposed.

 

Dressed for the storm,

nowhere else to go,

having lunch, getting wet,

still in good cheer.

Journeys

Gifted sympathetic time,

purposed to help you unwind.

No work or activity to challenge you,

this day brings kindness without complaint.

Harbouring within its hours,

a certain possibility.

To explore a new and vibrant truth,

an understanding of deepest certainty.

Worry has no place in life,

there is only certainty of intent.

The aim for you is to discern, 

what will bring the most satisfaction.

Push every care and worry aside,

and ignore pressures to perform.

Spoken by past voices which would convince,

you of their harsh correctness.

Filter extraneous thoughts of life,

sieve out those past impressions.

Know from this point forward that,

You will find true rest in heaven.

Yet, ultimately discern the joy,

that this very coming day.

You can discover as you release your stress,

the taste of paradise you’re searching for.

Long walk home,

quiet Glen,

one step at a time,

keeping steady pace

with my friend.

 

Stopping for coffee,

shade by the river,

no feelings of rush,

or external pressure.

 

Sun shining today,

heating the skin,

wind blowing strongly,

barely noticed at all.

 

Walking through a landscape,

breath-taking scenery,

happy in the fresh air,

the experience of being here.

 

The shade of trees,

welcomes at last,

slowing the pace,

the closer we get,

to the civilized world,

and the journey home.

 

Part of me remains,

on the camping ground,

after spending four days,

in the wilderness.

We drove through the country,

to the waiting ferry,

boarded, locked the car,

went up on deck.

Setting sail in the morning,

with the sailors’ warning,

that the weather

may turn out for the worst. 

 

The crossing was peaceful,

entirely uneventful,

we disembarked on land,

feeling rested.

Drove seven miles,

to park beneath the hills,

to find the boat

to take us to the Holy Isle.

 

The skipper seemed pleased to see,

us arriving in groups of three,

we had to set off soon,

with the tide.

We climbed onboard, sat down,

set off, looked around,

at the jagged coastline

and broken black rocks.

 

Crossing choppy water,

we became aware of the weather,

wind picking up,

clouds darkening the sky.

With first drops of rain,

I tried to ascertain,

whether or not we were

going to get wet.

 

The sailors’ words came to pass,

the weather turned for the worse,

as we were crossing to the island

rain hammered down.

Exposed in the little boat,

without a rain coat,

I sheltered my bag,

got soaked to the skin.

 

At last we arrived on land,

stood on the stony sand,

wished the skipper thanks

and farewell.

The sky began to brighten,

moods began to lighten,

we waited for the others

to make the crossing.

 

Our holiday begins here,

soaking wet but feeling clear,

happy to be on the island

at last.

The twelve of us will share,

an experience of rare,

pleasures of the

simplicity of life

There must have been a place,

when it all changed,

lowlands lying like still waters,

became rolling waves of hills.

 

Snake-like winding road,

rising and falling, a carnival ride,

fences line the way,

protecting deer from harm.

 

Passing through the village,

but a growth of cottages here and there,

remote dwellings for reclusive people,

not a sign of life.

 

A place to stop by the loch side,

for travellers with camera eyes,

hungry to soak in the beauty,

to drink the freshest air.

 

What is there to do here,

stop and look or drive on?

What is sought after in this Highland drive,

beyond the freedom of the road?

Preparation over,

part of the journey,

leading to leaving,

this place for another.

 

Two weeks travelling,

ahead, we are ready,

for anything,

confident, turn

the ignition,

start the engine,

our destination,

a place far from home.

 

I am mistaken,

that we are leaving,

all troubles and sorrows,

behind us now,

the wind still knows,

as it blows,

that we seek solace,

in a new home.

 

Cares abandoned,

for a short time,

moving onward,

we’re going now.

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