Canopies of crimson and amber,
On the calendar chlorophyllic break,
Confetti over walkways, bygates,
                        Black crags, dead burns and ranges.
            Mounds of Alba in metamorphosis—
Hills of ancient druid gatherings;
Sects blessèd beneath faded fires,
Ritual stone circles — glimpsed
                        In beams of fugitive twilight
            When hoary barnhouses and kirks
Give passage to purpling heath and yew—
Air inhaled anew—
                                 For a moment—
Pilgriming carts tear trails upon the leafy paths,
Phantom forms frenzy like flame in woollen robes
            Before autumnal chills root the earth,
                        Medieval stones return again
And a barnowl’s tu-whoo reclaims the sky.