This poem celebrates the life of a woman who lived her entire life on the Isle of Skye. I met her in 1997 in Borreraig on the west coast of Skye.
The Window of Time
A young mother sits nursing her child,
Her lullaby song is gentle and mild.
She awaits her man’s return from sea.
Their precious son at last, he will see.
The children laugh and play on the floor,
Their yearly growth is, etched on the door.
How they have grown! a blink of an eye,
Away from the nest they soon must fly.
The children have left to start new lives,
Mainland folk for husbands and wives.
They visit each summer, a blissful time,
Her wonderful family; a visit sublime.
Aged eighty-nine, she watches the rain,
Through the sash window’s cloudy pane.
Proud of her time a good mother and wife,
Thinking back with a smile-
On a wonderful life.
Hello, I’m Sue — a children’s author and poet living on the beautiful west coast of Skye.
My love of storytelling began in a nature-filled childhood and has deepened over more than thirty years surrounded by Skye’s wild landscapes, wildlife, and close-knit community. The island continually inspires me, and its people, animals, and ever-changing skies often find their way into my books. My poems highlight the beauty and fragility of nature, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation of our surroundings.
Before focusing fully on writing, I worked with preschool children, completed a BA in Child and Youth Studies, gained an Advanced Diploma in Teaching, and later l lectured at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Supporting young people’s learning and wellbeing has always been at the heart of what I do — and that same care sits at the centre of my stories.
In 2021, I wrote my first children’s book, Muddy Moos and Midges, to raise funds for a local children’s mental wellbeing charity. The response from children and families was incredibly encouraging, and it gave me the confidence to keep creating joyful, playful picture books filled with warmth and humour.
Alongside my children’s stories, I write poetry and small haiku pocketbooks inspired by quiet island moments — a passing cloud, birdsong on the shore, the hush before rain. I love blending poetry with visual art to capture the feeling of a place and invite readers to pause and notice the world around them.
You can follow my creative journey on Instagram at @suewoodskye and @suewoodpoetry, where I share poetry, music, and glimpses of island life.
I was delighted to be interviewed by Naturalist Weekly after being contacted by Mark the editor
One of my favorite things about writing for NaturalistWeekly.com is connecting with other people who share my joy and fascination with the natural world. Author, artist, and poet Sue Wood is one of those people, and I was very happy when she agreed to join me in an interview.
I hope you enjoy our conversation!
NaturalistWeekly. Hi Sue, Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Sue Wood: My name is Sue Wood and I am a nature poet and artist living on the Isle of Skye. I write poetry in my spare time and paint using mixed media. I have a great interest in Nature and conservation. I am fortunate to have a croft here on Skye, which has a wildflower meadow running along the banks of the river Roskhill. This is the perfect setting for writing and painting.
NW: You just mentioned the Isle of Skye, and I noticed that the Isle of Skye is very prominent in your work. Can you talk a little bit about this place and why it is so important to you?
Wood: The Isle of Skye has dramatic mountains, wild glens and amazing seascapes; it offers a varied wilderness for free spirits. There is an abundance of hidden places full of native trees, wildflowers and wildlife to enjoy, in peace and tranquility. This sensational Island changes constantly through the seasons, with wild Atlantic storms, snowy mountains and balmy summer nights with spectacular skies – This is my inspiration.
NW: Can you talk a little bit about your favorite poets and those who have inspired your writing?
Wood: I have always had a love of poetry since childhood, after reading “Autumn Fires” by Robert Louis Stevenson. I loved the way this poem made me feel as if I was standing next to a bonfire in the Autumn air.
Another poet who has inspired me is John Clare with his evocative nature poems. My favourite is “I Love to See the Summer Beaming Forth”. This poem is so descriptive of Summer. William Wordsworth’s “Daffodil” is another inspirational poem, which reminds me of daffodils in the Lake district in Springtime.
NW: I know that you have published a couple of books. Can you talk a little bit about these books and share a piece from each of them?
U: I have published two poetry books.
Timeless Shores is a poetic journey describing the natural wonders and culture of the island. Each poem is enhanced by a colourful image of a painting or photograph. The poems are written in an evocative way to allow the reader to enjoy Skye’s natural wonders and colourful characters through verse.
Isle of Skye Timeless Shores book cover
Òran Uisge – Wildflower Meadow is a collection of mindful nature poems, which were inspired by time spent on the meadow situated on the banks of the river Roskhill on the Isle of Skye. Each poem is enhanced with a colourful image of a painting, drawing or photograph.
Òran Uisge (gaelic for song of water) is a peaceful place to watch the bees and butterflies foraging for food, to enjoy fragrance from the wildflowers which fills the air and to listen to the abundance of songbirds. The river flows gently towards the sea, ceaselessly providing us with the tranquil sound of its journey. The meadow changes constantly as the seasons turn.
These poems are written in an evocative way to allow the reader to experience the effects nature has on our senses and mood. Whether it is the warm breeze touching our skin, the scents from orchids ascending through the air, the song of a skylark overhead, the sight of dark clouds with the threat of Summer rain or the taste of the blackberry harvest. Òran Uisge is a perfect environment to lose yourself in nature and in the moment.
Oran Uisge Cover
“Western Sunset” by Sue Wood
Western Sunset
On this amazing eve, with air so still,
I watch in wonder at this sight to thrill.
My visual senses watch colours ablaze,
Sun sinking down in a dramatic haze.
Merging pinks with fading gold,
Colours so vibrant and hues so bold,
Light up the sky and create a show
Of mountains and hills, mauve they glow.
Islands afar, in shades of grey,
Entice to embark, discover and stay.
Peace and pleasure fill the mind,
With aesthetic bliss; a vision refined.
“Western Sunset” was published in Timeless Shores
Summer Rain
Hot balmy day, airless and close,
Dark ominous clouds, above they rose.
Casting dark shadows all around,
The air is still, without a sound.
A cooling shower trickles and runs,
Then pits and pats like, tiny drums.
Summer rain brings relief to all,
From heat and dust, as droplets fall.
A vibrant rainbow adorns the sky,
An arching spectrum, way up high.
Steamy air ascends and climbs,
Creative mist in swirling lines.
Leaves and petals, luminous and bright,
Glowing so fresh, an alluring sight.
A rich sweet fragrance fills the air,
A priceless perfume could not compare.
“Summer Rain” was published in Òran Uisge – Wildflower Meadow
What I truly enjoy about Sue’s work is that she blends the visual arts with the written word. The examples that she provided showcase her ability to capture a moment in time and then express it in a way that pulls the reader in. I came back to “Western Sunset” several times because I was so intrigued by the painting and the words. Such a wonderful pairing!
If you would like to find out more about Sue, check out her website: www.suewoodskye.com
Please find more information about book sales in the poetry book section.
My Journal- A Thousand stories untold is a poetic journal with mindful nature verse on every page, inspired by time spent on a wildflower meadow on the Isle of Skye. Ideal for adding creative thoughts and images. A perfect gift for yourself or for someone special. You can find out more information in the poetry book section.
Top review from United Kingdom
Joanne M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful journal by talented Isle of Skye based poet and artist Sue Wood
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 March 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
A beautifully illustrated, hard backed journal with150 pages, each containing a single line of nature inspired poetry.
Love the quality, plenty of space to journal and each page provides inspiration if needed.
Its great to be able to support a local poet and artist and I highly recommend purchasing as a treat for yourself or a gift for a friend who loves nature journaling or poetry.
Thanks Sue!
