COSHIEVILLE by Stuart MacGregor

The west winds blow to Coshieville
And with the winds came we
And where the river hugs the wood
And blackthorns bloom in spring
There stood a single rowan tree
So young and slender, so were you
I loved you both as there you grew
The day I took the road that leads by Rannoch to the sea.

I carved your name at Coshieville
The rowan leaves stood still
The westering sun was in your eyes,
Despite your kisses and my lies
My thoughts had crossed the hill,
I broke your heart as the minutes passed
I smiled and said that nothing lasts
But many's the backward glance I cast
as I went North to the drill

The big wheels rumble up and down,
The lorries know the way,
I raised my hand, I hitched a ride
We crossed the bridge at Rannochside
Where the diesel engines play,
I cursed Lochaweside's autumn rain,
The winter whisky in Dunblane,
Till the west wind blew in the spring again
and my heart leapt at its song.

I came at night to Coshieville
A dozen hills aflame.
You had another hand to hold
Beneath the names we carved of old
There was another name.
You looked me through, you made no sign
I drank the cup of bitter wine,
But well I knew the fault was mine
and I went the way I came.