Heart of a cultural landscape

Stenness, circle of Neolithic celebration

eleven stones aligned, and twelfth omitted

for the entrance from the loch side village

and to admit the setting summer solstice sun

Angled standing slabs all set for ceremonial

to echo music, recognise the high point of the year

Central square stone surrounded hearth

backed by smaller sectioned pair

which frame the Maeshowe tomb

and with just a semi-circle turn

one would see the sixty stones of Brodgar,

both winter places death associated

aligned with equinox, sunrise, sunset and solstice.

My entry for Language>Place Carnival # 10, which is hosted by Sheree Mack, and can be accessed in its glorious entirety from here