Capercaillie
- Dougie
- Apr 30
- 1 min read
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.
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.
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