Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Strong in my pride and free.







Bob sees my 'going away' shoes and goes into a deep funk. Sophie is too busy chasing blackbirds to notice. Called back to a Scotland swathed in rose bay willow herb. Maybe you need to be away to appreciate the sky and the lochs and the untameable landscape . 

It's bright when I arrive, then, true to form, it pours before settling into a warm, almost hot, afternoon. The sun turning the Kyles gold. The bearded young minister is accompanied by his Sheltie. The dog, now used to such occasions, curls up in the shelter of the kirk porch and sleeps. He wakes, briefly, at the sound of the pipes. The second time in 24 hours I've heard the line '' If it be life that waits, I shall live forever unconquered. If death, I shall die at last, strong in my pride and free ". As defiantly Celtic as poetry can be. The same words on the Scots American Memorial in Edinburgh .

Crimond. A gaelic Amazing Grace. The Dark Island piped as a graveside farewell. Scottish ritual. A dram of The Macallan shared with siblings and nephews. A black sporran gathering. "My goodness Aonghus you've not changed a bit ".  Then back to Edinburgh, where even though it's late, the sun is still shining . 

Bob and Sophie will be coming to the airport today . 



13 comments:

Anonymous said...

What beautiful music. Thank you.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Great to go back to your roots...and hope things haven't changed too much.

Pearl Jam preceded the Dark Island...bit of a shock.

VirginiaC said...

Bob looks totally funked out.
Loved the sunset photo....absolutely gorgeous....and I enjoyed the music too.
Aonghus, I'm sorry for your loss but treasure the beautiful memories, and with Bob and Sophie around to lift your spirits you will be okay.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

The video, both beautiful and comforting. My condolences to you and your family.

WFT Nobby said...

Condolences Angus. The Scottish rituals so fitting for such times.

Swan said...

Scotland looks so beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss, but know you'll be comforted by the ones who love you most.

tammy j said...

even in dark islands ... you give us beauty. sharing life itself with us. thank you aonghus. xo

Jake of Florida said...

Condolences, Angus. Nothing conveys the moment like the bagpipe.

10NISNE1 said...

So sorry for your loss.
The beautiful music brought tears to my eyes as I looked at my beautiful Sheltie who I just learned has cancer.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Music, sky, earth, water, and the affection of your loved ones (Bob & Sophie included, of course), are all balm for the soul.

Kari said...

Our sincere condolences to you and those left behind.
Bob and Sophie will offer comfort beyond mere words.

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

Condolences. Love traditions and rituals steeped so deep it brings tears.

Whispering Walls said...

Many condolences