Beautiful, Bee! It reminded me of a spoken piece by Jean Mackie, which Jean Redpath has on a CD. There's a personal note from her (Redpath) and the words to it on THIS THREAD. They both evoke along ago time and memories. Lucky us that you shared it!

Jim Lad, they didn't used to call me "Mamakat" for nothing.:-) I meant to tell you I love your poem, too...should be a song, I agree!

To late I've come to tell you
To late for love to flourish
The bairns all gone from the land now
The old too frail for gathering.

Once up and down the valley
The sounds of work rang out
Clearly spelling the prosperity
Of all who lived and loved.

To late, now, for any renewal
To late to lift your brow
To start from old which is not there
To late to even care.

(not sure where that came from! Must be channelling some sad old soul.)