Ice
Melts
Phyllis
Anderson
When Phyllis Anderson joined our local Writers` Group, we sensed at once that we had a new star in our midst. Her prose was impeccable, and there was a quality of dark magic in her stories that was unique in its appeal. Her imaginative handling of character and location led us willingly into strange and spell-binding worlds. We were hooked!
It comes as no surprise, then, that she has moved on into the realms of poetry. Her special skills lend themselves to poetic expression, and she is sure to prove herself mistress of imagery and rhythmic musicality.
I was delighted when she asked me to write an introduction to this anthology, and along with all her other fans, look forward to reading the poems in it with great pleasure. I have already been privileged to read " The Cobbler " and " Haiku for Mountaineers " - great for starters. My appetite is now truly whetted for the main feast.
Betty McKellar, Award
Winning Scottish Nature Poet
The Betty McKellar
Poetry Walk is a feast
for the senses in Muirshiel Country Park
For my Mother
© 2011 by Phyllis Anderson
Contents
Contents 4
Biography
Nature has played a key role in my life as a poet and writer.
As a child, I'd spend days that stretched beyond time exploring the woodland surrounding my home. Whether climbing trees, picking primroses clustered in copses, or meandering amongst bluebells, growing up was truly a sensory and wondrous experience.
Now my life has turned full circle. I currently live on a ten thousand acre country estate where cows graze on pastoral landscape - an environment which fuels the poetic imagination.
This first volume of poetry is the culmination of my observations made over the last few years. The title 'Ice Melts' is taken from “Haiku for Mountaineers,” which alludes to the hardships suffered by climbers to reach the oft elusive summit.
The first poem in this anthology is about 'The Cobbler,' or Ben Arthur, which is part of a group of mountains known as the Arrochar Alps.
This climb is a favourite of mine, and the poem was given first place by the competition judges of Scottish Mountaineer magazine. They were kind in their praise.
'Phyllis Anderson draws some lovely parallel images between our beloved Cobbler and its shoemaking namesake in an accessible, well paced piece. The central character of such a well loved and familiar mountain stirring the affection of most judges and gaining Phyllis first prize.'
I hope you enjoy it.
Wise climbers realise that it is the mountain that conquers the heart of the climber.
Phyllis Anderson
Perseverance is a snowflake that refuses to melt
Mountains
The barefoot pilgrim has no use for shoes.
The Cobbler
Zig zag stitches bound to sole,
as we traverse the path.
Congregation in worn boots.
Joyous in the aftermath.
Icy beacon towers above.
Simple hearts tumble below.
Creviced face mended with time.
Battles fought long ago.
The Cobbler toils into night.
Path lit by crescent moon.
Sewing in dreams, crumbling to dust.
Clock ticks down so soon.
Voices illuminate the bay.
Pilgrims in safe abode.
For some, their first;
others, their last
footprints on the Cobbler’s road.
Stob Ghabar
Stacatto tap. Climbing boots.
Sharp bows. Burning coals.
Trapped. Snow shaker dream.
Requiem for climber’s souls.
Icicle fingers beckon
wanderers from the path.
Captivating crystal rinks.
Slippers made of glass.
Rootless Trees rose from Earth
Jewelled fruit. Tempted land.
Apples glistered like a Sun.
Crumbling grains of sand.
Avalanche truth imprisoned them.
Meringue tower. Hollow shell.
Emptiness echoed in their hearts.
Nectar from a poisoned well.
Deer herd scrambled below.
Loose pennies, hail of change.
Cold silver targets strays.
Unveiling shadows, at close range.
The Climber’s toll on Stob Ghabar,
an exchange that can’t be spent.
Converting darkness into light.
Narrow pathway to ascent.
Tempus Fugit
Ice wing eagle
Threadbare time.
Seeking sifting sky.
Ancient observing eye.
Bruised feet. Clouded hope.
Doves ring change.
Loves lost. Perils path.
Flaming soaring Seraph.
Caravan camels desert dust.
Tattered. Fray edged robe.
Night nomads. Blunt sword.
Minutes lance sharp words.
Mantel clock. Frozen time.
Watchman, why dost ye sleep?
Hours collapse. Death behoves.
Glacier cracks and moves.
Crooked claw. Hooks in Earth.
Sand dust drained soul.
Shelter wing. Prophet rest.
Beating heart. Golden breast.
Soaring o’er gardens fair.
Dew drops kiss honey suckle.
Queen bee hums. Summer glory.
Armour knights. Valour story.