Inverkirkaig Bay

I wrote this poem, when holiday near Lochinver in NW Scotland in 2007 - an attempt to describe the beautiful and peaceful location, which inspired the poet Norman MacCaig, to write many of his poems!
I hope to go back there again soon!



Inverkirkaig Bay


A clock ticks away the solitary hours
the occasional cry of a bird
wind sighs through blue-green firs
a single car makes its way
slowly...
along the shore road
The sleepy sound of water
swaying against the stones in the bay
the hushed chattering of crickets
a bee buzzes past my window
meandering on its way
collecting nectar
from purple flowers on the hillside.

Lazy sunshine peers through white mist
silver-sparkling patterns on grey wrinked waters

So far away from the busy-ness
of London life
this wild, remote countryside
where poets are born.


Note: Inverkirkaig Bay (North West Scotland) was a favourite haunt of the poet Norman MacCaig.