There are spaces still to be filled
before the map is completed –
though these days it’s only
in the explored territories
that men write, sadly,
Here live monsters.
Norman MacCaig – November 1970
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northumbrian : light 
What a beautiful, thought-provoking post, Robin. Having grown used to hideous road maps, it is good to remember that real maps are powerful things, mutable, and magical in their way. I love the spare silhouette.
Many thanks Tish – I am still working my way through Norman MacCaig’s vast collection. I read these words the other day which put me in mind of recent horrific news stories.
Maps are works of art and soul. So many empty spaces in between places. Love that haunting photo.
Many thanks Julie – puts me in mind of Josephine Hart’s opening lines to Damage (which I am over-fond of quoting) – “There is an internal landscape, a geography of the soul; we search for its outlines all our lives. Those who are lucky enough to find it ease like water over a stone, onto its fluid contours, and are home”.
That is just beautiful.
one word: excellent post… amicales pensées, Mélanie
Many thanks Mélanie, have a great day
This is breath-taking!
Many thanks, much appreciated – I confess I have used this tree before – this is how it started out: https://northumbrianlight.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/weekly-photo-challenge-one/
Extraordinary shot! Now I have to go and see the original, Robin. 🙂
Many thanks Jo – I was in the attic skimming some old photo mags (as you do) and saw an image which inspired this. I am in catch-up mode at the moment. We had a long weekend at the narrowboat AGM followed by Motorcycle Live at the NEC – the beloved is very patient about such things 🙂
Reblogged this on Zimmerbitch: age is just a (biggish) number and commented:
Such a powerful sentiment; I couldn’t help but share it.
Many thanks for the generous comment and especially the reblog – much appreciated. I wondered why more people were suddenly liking the post 🙂
No problem. I’d only recently discovered Norman McCaig, and it was such a nice coinicdence to read your post. 🙂
Enjoy the discovery Su – I started with The Many Days and I am now reading my way through his complete collection at the rate of one per day. They shouldn’t be rushed.
Monsters indeed! – great image and choice of poetry – very pointed in the verse!
Many thanks – Norman MacCaig is a great source of inspiration
What a poignant image Robin-and I love the words-
Many thanks Meg – the dispiriting thing is that the words could apply to any number of events around the world. The upside is that despite the constant stream of bad news from the news factories, we live in the safest, healthiest, best fed period in all history. All the best, R
Love this
Many thanks, much appreciated – and thanks for stopping by.
I know nothing of Norman MacCaig, now – but this ignorance won’t last.
Thank-you.
Su Leslie sent me, and I am grateful for that.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I recommend his collection, The Many Days – there are some gems. This is an interesting introduction:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/arts/the_enduring_appeal_of_norman_maccaig.shtml
That is MOST kind of you, and very much appreciated ! 🙂
This is an awesome post, the image, lines and the title…
Leaving enough space for the reader to think and infer 🙂
Sadly the message works whoever and wherever you are. Many thanks for your generous comments.