Pianos and Flowers
On the day that I retired from the NHS, after more than 25 years as a doctor, our postwoman delivered a present. It was from Alexander McCall Smith and included … Continue reading Pianos and Flowers
Tag: poem
Edwin Morgan steps
I made the ‘Edwin Morgan steps’ the best part of 15 years ago. Last week I repainted the inscribed words. On the steps I also carved this: This was how … Continue reading Edwin Morgan steps
We will get through this
The village of Bridge of Allan is rallying around to support one another in this troubled time: When walking to the local shop from our house we first pass the … Continue reading We will get through this
on a cross-bar
I have been reading ‘Piano & Flowers‘ by Alexander McCall Smith in my garden. This is an imaginative ‘sort-of’ review of this wonderful collection of romantic short stories: My love … Continue reading on a cross-bar
How is he, that gentle gardener?
Blackadder Walled Garden, Berwickshire. Music credit: King Creosote, live, Glasgow Concert Hall, 12 March 2020.
Language is leaving me
A film about Blackadder in the Borders. This film is for my mother, mother-in-law, my wife, and my daughter. It is also for Ella, Ena and Alice [Mrs Picken] Music … Continue reading Language is leaving me
From Scotland with Love
Last night we were in the audience of the Glasgow Concert Hall to hear live the music and soundtrack of the acclaimed film: ‘From Scotland with Love’. It really was … Continue reading From Scotland with Love
Neuromarket
Neuromarket ‘Street drugs’, desire and despair, have a new market. Neuromarket Individually, we are somewhere beyond 80 billion neurons [a number that out-distances all the stars in the universe] Neuromarket … Continue reading Neuromarket
TEXT book (a poem)
TEXT book. Evidence contained within is empirical and ‘disinterested’ providing science at its most objective. TEXT book. Has a “target on its back [cover]” – because “real” science needs defending! TEXT … Continue reading TEXT book (a poem)
That the poet’s first book should have been his last
Sited at the side of the Crow Road going over the Campsie Fells is this fine well dedicated to Jamie Wright, a Campsie burn fisherman and finder of the spring, … Continue reading That the poet’s first book should have been his last
Eilean an Tighe
home where hearty fireplaces hold up walls that are not needed; where windows unseen invite the world in.
‘House island’
Loch Eilt is a freshwater loch in the West Highlands of Scotland, and separates the traditional districts of Morar, to the north, and Moidart, to the south. Loch Eilt [loch … Continue reading ‘House island’