Wild Moment: Denis Rice
"I recently visited the John Muir Birthplace Museum in Dunbar and came away wanting to spread the message..." Denis' poem was written after visiting Berwick on Tweed and, of course, Dunbar.
The Return to Nature
A trip to the North, to the North Eastern shore,
Seek to briefly escape from the system once more
To an unfettered stroll on some beach or old pier
Through the brush of an artist who’s no longer here.
Eyes that were tired now refreshed with a tear
Cross lost horizons that once more came near
With the hope that a dolphin might look to the land
To seal a connection no system could plan,
As they mysteriously show from an uncharted deep,
To ask us a question should they find words to speak;
Then toast this new day in a tavern or bar
Sat with fellow travellers who’ve come from afar.
Here’s to prayer and good hope that all is not lost
We can rebuild connections where nature seems lost;
And answer the call of the dolphin or seal,
Return to our homes to spread the appeal
That started inspired by John Muir of Dunbar,
Return there we must to see through the haar
Of our own caged landscape and raise up the bar.
Return to the connections of a more natural life.
Return back to the North to seek solace from strife.
© Denis Rice 2025
