SELKIRK BRIDGE

Published in Borders Writers Forum anthology.  'Border Voices: Abridged'  Apparently there are 3000 bridges in the Scottish Borders.  This is a poem about one of them.

A couple of photographs below.  One you can just about see the bridge in the distance.  The other me and Jero directly underneath it. 

                         

Birthed in a rage of Ettrick Water                                        

my broad muscled back carries the strain                         

amid monozygotic town and country.                        

Built to purpose I do not complain.                                                                     

’81 the year of my abrupt birth.                                                          

I have no history to speak off.                                              

Building my own, scavenging rubble

of my tragic ancestors downfall.              

Boots bloodied in victory and defeat.                                   

Bleating befuddled shepherded sheep.                                                              

Cows heavy hoofed to market.                                               

Eventually something had to give.                                           

’77 the year Old Stane Brig’s death.

Caught unawares by his erstwhile friend

complacent of its dormant strength.

Etttrick Water sozzled on cocktails

of wind and rain clung to him, buckled

limbs, ancient heart crashed overwhelmed.

Guilt haunts me at the thought of it.

Must last the centuries as tribute.

No distinction amid town and country.

A neutral conduit of give and take.