Late one autumn evening, I saw a great Red Fox.
I followed him among the gorse, then lost him in the rocks;
Kneeling on the yellow sand – the setting sun aflame,
I heard the sound of laughter and the whisper of my name……

Climbing amber sand dunes, I started up once more;
Saw the Fox  a – lying by some round rocks on the shore.
But the light was playing tricks, as evening autumn can;
Amongst the rocks there was no Fox, but a charming red – haired man!

He rose and came towards me, and gently took my hand
Raised it to his lips and murmured “Welcome to my land…..”
I frowned and said “You are misled. From woods to wild sea
The lichen, sand – this Hinterland – it all belongs to me!”

Then he sung……

“Turn your face to the Hinterland wind,
Would you go where the Red Fox lies?
Would you come with me, would you run with me
Forever under autumn skies?”

Around his brow there glowed a crown – he laughed and bowed down low:-
“Before the Owners – there was I, and always have been so….”
Pure and low a note he sung, it shimmered through the air.
It carried hope and peace and love – no sense of discord there.

“Ownership and title deeds, concepts man invented-
Commit views to paper form, rights and laws cemented.
A hundred years, a thousand years, don’t forget your place
Among the dunes and shadows of this great and ancient place”.

The setting sun was in his eyes, auburn glints of light.
Was it the Fox beside me now? For in my dreamy sight,
I saw the night creep round the dunes and mingle with him there
“You’re not alone  – in lichen, sand and stone, I’m everywhere….”

Upon my brow I felt a touch, a gentle scented breeze:-
A blessing from the Great Red Fox – I fell upon my knees
Golden glitter, grains of sand, were swirling all around
The copper air was glowing with the song which echoed round:-

For he sung……..

“Turn your face to the Hinterland wind,
Would you go where the Red Fox lies?
Would you come with me, would you run with me
Forever under autumn skies?”

Donna Skelly,
Poet and Solicitor, Forres