poemof the moment
Uncut wheat staggers under
its own weight.
Summer is leaving too,
exchanging its gold
for brass and copper.
Continue reading September by Dorothy Lawrenson
about the poem
This poem was chosen for Best Scottish Poems 2011. Best Scottish Poems is an annual online anthology published by the Scottish Poetry Library, consisting of 20 poems chosen by a different editor each year, with comments by the editor and poets. It provides a personal overview of a year of Scottish poetry. The editor in 2011 is Roddy Lumsden. (Image: wheat by agrilifetoday, under a Creative Commons licence)
poem chosen by…
Roddy Lumsden
This poem only made it into my selection when I revisited it, looking through my sheaf of possible inclusions. At first, I had felt it might be too slight, too simply descriptive. But, looking again, I found that it was more complex than I recalled, more surprising in its imagery: the bird's yawning shadows, the staggering wheat. At the poem's centre is a statement that happily 'tells' and this is surrounded by a wrap of actuality and then conceit, which makes for an effective short lyric.
Read more about the SPL Team
poet
Dorothy Lawrenson
Dorothy Lawrenson is an artist and graphic designer from Dundee, currently living in Edinburgh. Her poems have been published in Markings and the Edinburgh Review, and her pamphlets Under the Threshold and Upon a good high hill were shortlisted for a Callum Macdonald Memorial Award.
-
RT @SPLshop: Full house @ByLeavesWeLive! Stories and poems and books.
Receive our newsletter
Events
European Literature Night 2012
0
days to go!
The Written World
Around the world in 204 poems in celebration of London 2012.
SPL Shop
A selection of unique books, and special items for you, your friends and your family.
Treat yourself!How can we help you?
Lost a poem? Need a poem? Looking for some advice? Doing some research on a poet? We are always happy to help with any poetry-related enquiries you may have.
Podcast
Our weekly programme of poets, poems and news for you to listen to.
Become our friend
Anyone can use the library free of charge, but by becoming a Friend of the Scottish Poetry Library, you can help provide vital support for our work and receive many benefits. Find out more…