Light
Did you say it’s made of waves?
Yes, that’s it.
I wonder what the waves are made of.
Oh, waves are made of waves.
Waves are what they are,
Shimmeringness,
Oscillation,
Rhythmical movement which is the inherent essence of all things.
Ultimately, there’s only movement,
Nothing else.
The movement that light is
Comes out of the sun
And it’s so gorgeous a thing
That nothing else is ever anything unless lit by it.
About this poem
This poem was reproduced on a postcard for National Poetry Day 2015. Eight poetry postcards are published each year by the Scottish Poetry Library to celebrate National Poetry Day and are distributed throughout Scotland to schools, libraries and other venues. The theme for 2015 was ‘light’.
- Download the PDF poster version of this card
- Download learning ideas on this poem
- Find out more about National Poetry Day.
Learn more
Margaret Tait
Margaret Tait was one of Britain’s most unique and individual film makers, producing over 30 films, including a portrait of Hugh MacDiarmid. She also published three books of poetry.
