Legacy

wild heather in the highlands
lay thick across the vista
a purple headed carpet
spread wide before my eyes
the sky a raspberry sorbet
the loch a lake of echoes
and there the sound of bagpipes
a lonesome piper playing
drowned out the calming silence
he stood there serenading
pink ripples on the water
my love he turned towards me
it was a tender moment
a tender tender moment
a tear fell from his eye
swamped by the sense of history
the castles and the battles
the wretched cries of battle
the clan men clashed in battle
like every conflict since then
no matter the location
the loss is overwhelming
division more division
no winners only losers
this heart is done with clashes
this heart is done with battles
the nails are in the coffin
what’s left a bridge of sighs

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

You possess such evocation to the conscious mind. Thank you for an extraordinary read, Chris! May the new year bestow many blessings upon you!

[Soren]

The bagpipes evoke such feelings and are an instrument of battle and beauty. There woulld never be a Scottish funeral without them. A most lovely poem cast in such a setting as painted by your pen. Simply lovely

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Soren. The bagpipes certainly stir the emotions. The Queen had a piper playing at her funeral. It was nostalgic and haunting. Most memorable.

[red93]

Ooh I love this Chris - you have really captured the ambience of a Scottish experience - mystical and so vibrant this released Free Verse triumph. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much for your support Tony. Pleased you enjoyed this one. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

so beautiful, moving and the echos across the bridge so brutaly tragic and true. i love the setting and imagery, Chris. top notch start to finish says i! just wonderful.
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Mr E. Your kind words have made my evening. So pleased you enjoyed my poem.

Chris

[Einstein Noodle]

hey ... i am Scotch/Irish ... bagpipes and the Highlands will get me every time :)

[Chris Shaw]

That is so nice to know :) I have lovely memories of both Scotland and Ireland. Wonderful people :)

[Einstein Noodle]

yes you are! :))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work. Powerful.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Thomas for stopping by. Happy new year to you.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

What begins as beautiful highland imagery ends with an antiwar note. Though the Scots have been in their share of brawls, I think this one was intended for all mankind. At this point in our evolution, we are still a tribal lot, the big difference being we now have weapons of mass destruction.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Maybe the method of warfare changes. The violence doesn’t. All the best for 2025.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

This poem moves to dig out of past gems. Excellent writing. Loved it.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Arundass. Happy new year.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

Happy New year for you and for all in your family. Let this year be more creative, peaceful and happier

[Dylan Macadham]

Richly haunting. History's Madness and Sorrows, the Lone Piper ...
So beautiful, tearful, in imagery and sound.
Dylan

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dylan. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Lorry]

Aye lass. Ye fair ken how tae tell a tale!
Leaves me wondering if those poor ukranians on the front line of an INVASION are reminiscing over past new years celebrations or perhaps thinking of the next time they'll get to celebrate.
And the tyrant that started it is nowhere near the battlefield, living a luxury he doesn't deserve and will hopefully be held to account soon.
I hope the next war is avoided by forcing those who would send their own to fight it, slug it out in a cagefight to the death instead. Just think of the revenue made from screening it live! 😃

[Chris Shaw]

And the wars continue, sadly. Hoping very much for a peaceful 2025 Lorry. All the best to you in the new year.

Chris

[Cherrie]

…wild heather… is a aromatic carpet that speaks from days long ago. As it whispers over the loch.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Cherrie. Happy new year.

Chris