Snow On The River (Iv) Poem by jim hogg

To Arthur's Seat we climbed one day
equipped with cheese and wine
We had a party in the sky
until I saw the sign

A shadow ranged against the clouds
politely asking why
I took my pen and wrongly
Answered X instead of Y

The ancient bridge across the Forth
had criss-crossed all my dreams
in yon Dalbeattie hotel
beside the little stream

And like a fish trapped in a net
once desperate to escape
I kept on staring through the mesh
when freedom came my way

Not quite as brash as Lochinvar
I stayed outside the kirk
I didn't bring my broadsword
and forgot to bring my dirk

I built my armour round my heart
and traded love for song
But plainly Lochinvar was right
and I again was wrong

And Stirling seemed so far from your
Balgowan in the spring
I dreamt you homewards everyday;
you gave me songs to sing

Though you were Yarrow bound my love
through Ettrick into Tales
by complex paths we never saw,
beyond where reason fails

In Ali's words I caught a glimpse
of you so long ago
The surf from Islay's shores
washed me right back to Woodlands Road

As time came rushing all around,
a kid 'Who Sold the World'
It's what fools do when we think
we've got time and love to burn

So where were all my wits back when
the blossom was in bloom
too busy with the harvesting,
or blinded by the view

I'd love to say I've no regrets,
if only that was true
But new dawns call while snow still falls,
and while there's thoughts of you

I look down all the highways now
and see you in disguise
You're all the girls I'd fallen for
but didn't realise

Yet when the time arrived to choose,
I chose to hit the road
Amongst the special few love,
you're the only one I'd know

And all the songs I've scribbled down
I wrote for you alone
but you're out there somewhere between
the farthest stars and home

I've chased your shadow, traced your trail,
I've held you here and there:
a dream that sparks such blinding flames
it haunts me everywhere.