Published September 15th, 2024
by Stuart McFarlane
Horses' hooves clatter on cobblestone streets,
and the grey streets all look the same.
My heart is pounding, faster it beats,
as the police wagon rolls on through the rain.
Now I see tall masts piercing the sky
as we slowly turn into the port of Leith.
Briefly, I catch the sergeant's cold eye.
I'm bound for Australia, tagged as a thief.
I stole a few chickens but it's enough
to put me in shackles, it seems.
And the ocean is wide, the sea is rough.
So farewell Juniper Green.
In summer we roamed through meadows and trees,
for that's where I met bonnie Jean.
I still see how sunlight strains though the leaves,
as we walk on down by the stream.
A sudden jolt, the rain's in my eyes,
as I step out, onto hard stone.
It's too late now, too late to be wise,
too late now to wend my way home.
So Jean, your hand, now place in mine,
I shall miss what might have been.
Smile for me just one final time,
and farewell Juniper Green
Notes:
- Not so long ago you could be deported to Australia for committing a minor crime.
- Juniper Green is an area of Edinburgh.
About the Poet
Stuart McFarlane resides in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Read the poet's biography on Stuart McFarlane's Artist Page.
This poem is included in Poetry World #10,
published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in Edinburgh Poetry Magazine:
Shadow o The Rock
by Mairead Connolly
Edinburgh Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Kirk Ramdath and specified artists.
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