Cladh sa choille

by Ceitidh Chaimbeul

Daoine gun chuimhne, gun iarraidh,
glaiste gu bràth ann beatha is bas.
Fulangaichean thinneasan-inntinn air fhalach
measg nan craobhan àrda,
air tìodhlacadh, taing do thairbheartach fialaidh
is gan cumail bho shealladh nan deusantach.

Fon ùir, ann an talamh neo-chosrigte,
cagar a’ ghaoithe ag innse cò bh’ann,
aig sìth an-fhoiseil aig oir a’ bhaile
gun tadhal charaidean no chàirdean.
A dh’aindeoin an t-suidheachaidh ghrinn ud,
‘s ann a tha mac-talla – pian, fearg is eagal.

Cemetery in the woods

People forgotten and unwanted
forever detained in life and death.
Victims of mental illness hidden
amongst the tall trees
donated by a generous benefactor
kept from the view of the respectable.

Interred in unconsecrated ground,
the whispering wind relating who is there
at uneasy peace on the edge of town
without visits from friends or family.
Despite its well-ordered setting
there’s an echo – pain, anger and fear.