The fells speak to me, not with words
but in the fullness of their existence.
Worn stones on paths kicked by boots,
tufts of grass between lichen rocks,
weathered crags that break into scree slopes.
I am a fragment of these mountains,
a slate shard born in time.
Wind blows through narrow passes,
Tears into and roughens me.
Caught like torn fleece, shreds of my life
are left to flutter on stone walls,
memories of tarns, woods and becks.
I sing their melody, being part of this place
when I stand in the heart of these fells.
But there are gaps in our togetherness.
The Solway Firth separates our shores.
At this distance I see outlines more clearly
Rugged ridges, mounds, seasonal snow,
mists hiding the high hills.
I cannot thrive in their rain shadow -
this truth I weep is also my delight.
Like a thistle, my light seeds float
across the sea and return.
To withhold my love is to perish.
Walking the fells with my bare feet,
scratched by thorns of my past,
I embrace pain and linger with longing
cherishing these fells in my heart.
Inspired by Kahlil Gribran’s book “The Prophet” and by recent visits to Cumbria. Many of the photos in this Blood Lines series are of different places in the Lake District. This photo was taken by an old friend, Rob (thanks for permission to share) of myself and another childhood friend, Mary. We’re all 19 years old and this was a walk up High Street. A brilliant name for a brilliant fell. Note the rainbow hat.
September 2023 is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. It is also Child Cancer Awareness Month. Every day 10 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Of those lucky enough to survive, many will have long-term side-effects that may significantly impact their lives forever.
I am posting one poem per day to recognise this and raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. This charity provides sailing and other outdoor adventures for children and young people aged 8-24 who have been treated for cancer. But it’s more than that. There’s a package of support around this including siblings, return trips, volunteering opportunities and so on. The Trust also works hard to ensure their work is environmentally sustainable. You can make a donation HERE!
What a fantastic smile you have.
I bet it was a good walk with your friends. Food always tastes so good out doors, esp when hungry.
Such beautiful words and descriptions, I love all the alliteration and undulations in their pace. I’ve been running in Torridon this weekend (thinking of you on the munros of Beinn Eighe) so have missed reading your daily collection of considered words. I’m delighted to read this group of running poems now I’m back. Partly sad that we didn’t get to run together when at school and now, although delighted that I have been able to benefit from your words of wisdom on running up hills. 🥰