Auguries

Two eagles flying west
One in golden day’s first light
Then dusk silhouette
Against white wheatfield flies.
Single blackbird singing on a wire,
Liquid tune in the fading light.
Sunlit virga, driving draperies
Of darkness gathering from the east.

A long journey approaching
Anxious I worry my age
Anticipating the long confinement
Hurtling through the air to that
Green island that will not leave my dreams.

I know there is no twilight precinct
No tangled wood of wonder
Only the bustle of cities, touristic hustle
Perils of automotive wander
On narrow roads.

A long journey approaching
Anxious at implications of return
A second appearance inviting appraisal
Summings up, inquiries on my 
Contribution to the world since last 
We appeared unbidden at the place of the head.

A long journey approaching 
Apprehensive I feel my age 
Aching heels, frets that once again
I will miss the trout and the fiddlers
That my beautiful boy’s reluctance
Will turn adolescent surly
That my love’s sorrow at leaving 
The creatures that she cares for
Carries more weight than the imaginary
Stone I pack to set upon ancestral sorrow. 
And the flowers in our own garden blooming
Are as worthy of conceit as the 
Wild orchid of the Burren
That eludes me, entices, unbalances me

A thousand thoughts come racing
Flights hotels trout chasing
Vast cliffs ancestral stones
Museums filled with ancient gold
Precious books, oceans roar
Memory of the heroic martyred ones
Halls of time to deep to hold in mind
Wave skipping pebble fleeing from the shore.
A long journey approaching. 

Author: Duncan MacNae

Exiled Gael, scion of the Dust Bowl, dweller within Divine Grace, admirer of mountains, I have made my peace with trout and the starlings. Looking for a river and healing trees. duncanmacduncan5@gmail.com View all posts by Duncan MacNae