song - Snow on the River (iv)
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 criss-crossed all my dreams
As we rested in Dalbeattie in the Inn beside the stream
Like a fish trapped in a fishing net I was desperate to escape
But kept staring through the meshes 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 Balgowan in the spring
I dreamt you homewards everyday and you gave me songs to sing
Although you were Yarrow bound my love, over Ettrick into Tales
Down paths too complex to follow, beyond where reason fails
In Alistair's eyes I caught sight of you so long ago
The surf from Islay's shores washed me clean 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 when the blossom was in bloom
Much too busy with the harvest, or just blinded by the view
And I'd love to say I've no regrets, but that wouldn't quite be true
But tomorrow calls while snow falls, and still 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 one I wouldn't know
And all the songs I've written, I wrote for you alone
You're somewhere out there I know between the farthest stars and home
Yes I've chased your shadow, traced your trail, and I've held you here and there:
You're the dream that sparks blinding flames and haunts us everywhere.
poem by Jim Hogg
Added by Poetry Lover
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