The day was bright and still the breeze
When a veil was lifted from that scene;
As I gazed from a mountain frieze
Into a valley lush and green.
Behold an ancient city of long ago,
Turrets, spires and adornment there;
Neatly laid across that valley low,
Transfixed I could but stare.
It felt preordained for me to see,
Those wonders from a bygone place;
Nestling in this hidden mountain lee
All built with care and grace.
In reality I knew it was not there,
Yet clear and vivid to be seen;
Through crisp unjaded highland air,
A vision of what once had been.
Then a hovering figure called to me,
From o’er that splendid scene;
“We are the future that you see;
Still unborn and not what’s been”.
The vision dimmed and faded fast,
A glimpse of time to be!
Glorious things before me cast;
Oh! Why for me to see?
Monty Alexander 16.8.2017