Black Mountain Caledonian Forest

[Rense Haveman]

On the flanks of Black Mountain, near Bridge of Orchy in West-Scotland, some fine examples of the remnants of the Caledonian Pine Forest are found. I wrote a poem about this place, in Dutch. I tried a translation below the photo.


Caledonian Pine Forest, Am Monadh Dubh by Rense Haveman, on Flickr


Caledonian Forest Am Monadh Dubh

dark green, almost black
silhouettes like old warriors,
battered, dispersed over the
slope under low sky weather
elegizing endlesly, grey.

their red tartans sturdy
and fierce, but without hope in
future. their roots bare, as if
they can hare away
to better times.

who will spell what lies ahead, who
save what can't be saved?
the gnarly arms
raised to heaven, to
earth, the old earth.

and I fall silent, who can repel what's
done, who can today?

 

[John Holland]

That's a cool looking forest - almost mystical looking. Very well captured.

 

[Pete Askew]

That is superb Rense. There is a real feeling of age to the forest. And, I like the poem too.

 

[Rense Haveman]

That's a cool looking forest - almost mystical looking. Very well captured.

Thank you! It is a place to contemplate at least....

 

[Rense Haveman]

That is superb Rense. There is a real feeling of age to the forest. And, I like the poem too.

Thank you, Pete! The forest is old, the trees are not so particularly. And thank you for your kind words concerning the poem....

 

[Dave Farnes]

That is a beautiful picture. The forest has real mystical feel, like a scene from Lord of the Rings.

 

[Beth Carter]

gorgeous!