Capercaillie

One of my poems. From 'Part Three: Encounters' of Something That Comes Close, my debut published collection. Available to buy in paperback from Amazon Books, and as an eBook on Kindle, Kobo or Booktopia. Additional information at the bottom of this post.

Capercaille

At the tree line 

north-facing slope

thick snow

its frosted crust 

sparkling 

in the sun

our paths crossed:

the capercaillie

and me

in the bird’s domain.

He held his ground

(for an instant)

crimson eyebrow raised

in haughty disregard

veridian chest

puffed-up as challenge

fantail quivering

in indignation

at this mere human

intrusion.

Then with contempt

he spread his wings

and vanished

through the pines

leaving me the poorer

as I watched him fly away.

Image by Spike Deane

Something That Comes Close is the debut work of Scottish-born writer Dougie Herd, now living in Australia. Reflections on becoming, on the joy of simple things, on life's hopeful journey. Sometimes sad because life sometimes is. But never despairing or despondent. Cos life's too short.

• Pulse: memory, life and death, loss, dislocation.

• Place: here and there, then and now, home and somewhere else.

• Encounters: the unexpected.

• Foolish Things: some of which are not entirely pointless.

• Waving: the possibility of renewal, the necessity of change, the inevitability of silence.

Words by Dougie Herd. Illustrations by Spike Deane.

Buy your paperback copy at Amazon Books.

Available also on:

• Kindle Store

• Rakuten Kobo

• Booktopia