Partly inspired by Jack Reacher (a character from my series), partly by the abandoned farms in the Highlands connected to the Clearances, partly by how I see travelling — leaving no trace behind — and partly because I really wanted midges to appear in the poem.

Coignafeainternach.
Monadhliath track.
Wind skims the loch,
Dancing specks,
A man stands in the muck.

Broad. Tall. Still.
A twinkling stare.
Black boots,
Old shirt —
Worn with care.

What’s he thinking?
Where’s he been?
Why’s he standing,
Never blinking,
In this silent scene?

The midges hum.
The sky turns grey.
A thought drifts in—
Then fades away.
He smiles.

A boat pulls in.
He fades from shore.
No echo left.
No wake.
No more.