Elphs Echoes

[Elphin]

Another one from the past inspired by NM

Perspectives
(Reading MacCaig while Dylan strums)

Suilven, Torridonian, claims to be not
a Munro, to be well short of a Corbett.
He's a pyramid, a pillar, a leopard-skin pill-box hat,

How many years can a mountain exist
before it's washed to the sea?

an ageless inselberg above
the bogs, the lochans, the eroded gneiss
of Greenwich Village; its parish of guitar

Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
before they're allowed to be free?

and harmonica bars playing discord.
Only a tune to a man in Assynt;
this land now his property. His liberty.

[Leaf]

Hi Elph,

This is great... another poem inspired by Norman MacCaig

Due to my lack of knowledge concerning most things, I'm unable to make much headway here at the moment. However, I just thought I'd pop in and mention that I like the 'leopard-skin pill-box hat'... and now the knowledgeable members of PG can take over

Best wishes,
Leaf

[Antcliff]

Hi Elph,

This is great... another poem inspired by Norman MacCaig

Due to my lack of knowledge concerning most things, I'm unable to make much headway here at the moment. However, I just thought I'd pop in and mention that I like the 'leopard-skin pill-box hat'... and now the knowledgeable members of PG can take over

Best wishes,
Leaf

Indeed, I remember this as well.

In the absence of such a person, Leaf, I will step in and note that the poem...or so I assume...is partly referring to a longer poem by MacC. Indeed, possibly his only longer poem. The poem is A Man of Assynt. Elph and I may have the advantage here, since we live in Scotland, where MacC is quite well known. I believe an extract can be found at the website of The Scottish Poetry Library.

https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/man-assynt-extract/

[Elphin]

Spot on Seth.. inspired by the Crofters Trust and one of the first community land buy outs sometime in early 90s.

MacCaig holidayed and visited Assynt many times. A Man in Assynt is as you say one of his few (only?) long poems. Maybe not his best but certainly heartfelt

Elph

[Leaf]

Thanks for the guidance, both. I've added this poem to my ever-lengthening Reading List

Best wishes,
Leaf

[David]

Yes, very good. I think I'd like it better without the Dylan interludes, though.

Cheers

David