Poetry Map of Scotland, poem no. 245: Dunotter

No News From Dunotter

No news from Dunottar,

stronghold of Picts,

mute refuge

of Ninian’s followers.

Target of Vikings,

dumb when invaded

by coachloads

of Saga trippers.

Tightlipped ‘No comment’

from military spokesman,

ashen victims

of Wallace’s fire-power.

Inarticulate sea-nook,

sturt and strife ridden

last refuge

of royal regalia.

Marischal’s fortalice.

Covenanter’s durance.

History dumbstruck.

No news from Dunottar.

Peter Wyton

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