Surprises
Would you have known
to watch for
porpoises and dolphins
as your ferry crossed the Minch
between Skye and Harris?
There’s something to be said for surprises
and also for a guide
generously sharing both knowledge
and binoculars.
(c) Mary Lee Hahn, draft, 2024
Your Scotland might be cities and castles, but mine is the rugged wide open beauty of the Hebridean islands. I experienced Scotland through the soles of my boots, the pain in my knees, and the exhilaration of peaks and beaches; through wind and rain, fog and rainbows; through history, geology, and local wildlife. And, of course, through the food.
I’m back, but a bit of my heart was definitely left behind in the Outer Hebrides.
Matt has this week’s Poetry Friday roundup at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme.
A(nother) Year of Reading 
I have ancestors from Aberdeen, Scotland (Patrick Henry and his family) and have always longed to visit – this poem is another reason why! Glad you had such a nice time.
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Mary Lee, the paragraph below your poem is also a poem! Your love of this place is shining through…more more more, said the baby! xo
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I thought the same, Irene!
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Sounds like an awesome, soul stirring trip! I have a soft spot for Scotland too and envy your visit. I *am* surprised by the porpoises and dolphins!
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I imagine what you looked forward to on your trip, so finding surprises feels special, a “Who knew?” poem for all of us! So happy you had a special time, Mary Lee!
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Ever since a note of the Hebrides in a David Whyte poem (“The Truelove”), I’ve imagined standing before the span in gratitude. Your trip looked wonderful!
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Sounds like a terrific and memorable trip–thanks for sharing the porpoises and dolphins with us!
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Welcome back, Mary Lee! I agree with Irene – everything about your post is a poem. I especially liked “I experienced Scotland through the soles of my boots, the pain in my knees, and the exhilaration of peaks and beaches.” Hope to hear more!
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I have a new bucket list place to go because of you. Your trip looked amazing. I’m glad you mentioned the pain in your knees. I imagine that with all those wonderful vistas came some hard work on the body. Your poem is restful as I imagine the ferry ride.
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Oh, I was SO hoping that was a Nessie spotting photo…but I’ll take porpoises and dolphins (both?) anytime. It sounds like your trip was deeply soul-satisfying and I’m SO glad you got to take it. Looking forward to more!
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Yay! How exhilarating, Mary Lee! Jone initiated my ongoing Scottish Gaelic studies a few years ago and I would love to go try them out in person.
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Mary Lee, it is good to have you back at PF. Your trips sounds fabulous and I love your photo. Did you find all that you wanted when you went to Scotland? It sounds like you did despite the pain. Happy Return to you.
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What an incredible trip! I love thinking of all the poetry it will inspire.
My grandfather was born in Scotland and although I’ve never been there, I always have the feeling that I want to go back there. 🙂
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