For RMS on his birth

Beat bright
little heart,
like Creole laughter
may the light
of dark eyes
lightly lit
be ever yours.

Beat quick,
little heart,
like the flick
of feet
bare and quick
on light-spun sands
in lands
you’ve yet to meet.

Beat strong,
little heart,
with the strength
of the wind-filled,
steady,
steely
Scottish sky.

The joy,
little boy,
the crystal peace of
sun-filled
Caribbean seas
be yours.

And yours,
little heart
the tender softness
of rain-soft
Scottish earth.