Writer Kate Campbell has written a collection of poetry inspired by the area around the Whiteadder valley, some of which have been published. Her writing connects social history, nature and place.
‘Herring Road
At Lammas,
creel heavy on her spine,
rain seeps through the blue shawl.
Friardykes
Brother Jack, stepping out:
one more day
within bounds.
Mossy Burn
Water for distilling
flows amber:
not for the excise men.
Beltondod
Swallows dress for dinner:
a black pot on the swey
simmers stew.
Healing Well
The shepherd once told me
he went there.
That was all.
Crystal Rig
Cottongrass
as far as you can see
fringing the young larches.
Yadlee
An old ring
to put in my backpack
and take home.
Cracking Shaw
Gusts flick and drop your hair:
white grass a strangely soft
crown of thorns.
Spartleton
Look this way:
I’m shooting the last frame
as you were.’
© Kate Campbell 2015