pathfinder
Warmly caressed here
by the sound of the Sound
I can only imagine
beloved Iona
how they decided together
upon the gift for you
of such a glorious name
William, flight lieutenant
was a pathfinder who
found a way to Margaret's
heart, and perhaps they
heard the sound of the Sound
here as they dreamed of you
beloved Iona
Perhaps the sunlight touched
and warmed his tweed collar
and her specially chosen
holiday dress and maybe
you'll have heard the
soaring cry of the gull
before your newly arrived breath
Over years and years
I shouldn't wonder -
their returnings here and
joy in home from home
and scented, salted, smiling
silence until, oh yes
and no, and no and yes
their departing, thankful
last breathing and your
generous recollection of
their listening, watching
and waiting here. Their
loving engraved in oak that
we now may sit here in awe
pathfinding, beloved Iona