Ghosts of St Kilda

Storm beach of Hirta
Black houses of Village Bay
Thro' still photographs
Fancies fly away

Precariously o'er Hebridean cliffs
Above raging Atlantic roar
Harvesting fulmar - eggs - sea-fowl
For "cleit" house-store

Precious cargo from the sea
Driftwood borne on shore-strewn scree
Sheep grazing on lush green hills
Rough tweeds woven to barter bills

Rotary querns grinding grain
Oil lamps - relentless lashing rain
Peat fires warmly burning
Sea in agitation churning

Time suspended in exhibition
Ruthlessly takes back
The ghosts of St Kilda's Isle
Are there behind my back