Stone Cut Runes…
Thurso
about 4pm
Monday 19 August – a retrospective diary entry
I found the museum. I found two standing stones. Stone cut runes. And I found this…
to watch the dawn sweep overa flat grey horizonthat is a stone cut runeto put your mark on the morning’s silencethat is a stone cut runeto fish for meaningin the sea of the airthat is a stone cut rune– George Gunn
Any journey plans I had, changed. Right at the start. What were the plans? I’ve had a protracted journey by train: Liverpool to Thurso, so far. Two days, coast to coast.
Off the train – the lines stop. I arrive in this small, seemingly sleepy harbour town. This place is a ‘stone cut rune’ written by tides.
As I peramble along the main street, unintentionally I announce my arrival here. The empty tin water bottle hits my rucksack in time with each step, making a loud but gentle, rhythmic ‘ding’. Like a song of the rope slowly shivering against the mast of a boat as it waits in harbour, patiently.
Anyway, I found the museum. I found two standing stones. Stone cut runes.
In the cafe, in the next room I hear the sound of a small child chortling. It reminds me of home. For a moment, I’m moved.
I feel like I’m at the end of something: on the edge of something. Now, I’m about to cross that space in-between. A Celt visiting unfamiliar Viking shores. Now, across into the chase…
The Ulbster Pictish Stone, 700 AD/CE
Loved the Stone Cut Rune and sea of air.
Joining the Swan + company Thursday/Friday and so looking forward to these times and islands. And my own fishy meaning.
David