[David Callin]

REVISION

To walk the land is to possess it
on leases of a stride's length,
each ceded easily, without
encumbrance, although
brambles may raise objections, mists
intermeddle, petty fogs
parlay you into dull circum-
locutions, keep on.

Pass quickly by the standing stones,
engrossed in their slow yoga,
on by paths paced out by sheep
in their thoughtful musings,
up to the staring tarn in which
the sky has washed its shining face
and stands around you unenclosed.


ORIGINAL

To walk the land is to possess it
on leases of a stride's length,
each ceded easily, without
encumbrance, although
brambles may raise objections, mists
intermeddle, petty fogs
parlay you into dull circum-
locutions, keep on.
Scrambling out of the metaphor,
take the paths worn out by sheep
in their thoughtful musings,
up to the staring tarn in which
the sky has washed its shining face
and stands around you. Unenclosed.