Guest Poem by Piers Cain

Piers Cain grew up in Ruislip, Middlesex a ‘Metroland’ suburb of outer London. He read History at University College London and subsequently obtained a postgraduate diploma in Archive Studies. His career focussed on knowledge management and general management in the professional services and international development sectors. Having lived and worked in US, Europe and Africa, he is now lives in Stromness, Orkney.

Another Land

There is another land. A land of rock
and falling water. Valleys deep in shade
with railway stations blue with rising mist.

There’s a city of sunshine built on slopes
that flows down a hill in a torrent of stone
to water. Gardens hang in steps of green.

In hedges sparrows squabble. Waiters ask
for orders. Cakes and coffee. Sun and shade.
Magenta blooms and heat in noontime glare.

There’s wealth of course. Expensive cars and shops
for oriental rugs. Discreet hotels and bars.
The briefest questions. A little louche perhaps

but also place of peace. The air is warm.
Just take a shaded seat and watch the trees
exhale. At times we need another land.