I have forgotten how dark it is here.  The total absence of light, the thickness of the dark. 

Driving from Lamlash to Brodick at night, all alone on the road, full beam illuminating my way.  I’m both scared and excited, thrilled by the dark, by the wildness of the wood, by its darkness that survives beyond any notion of progress.

Returning, the stars are out.  I crick my neck looking up at them and wondering.

When I reach the hill coming out of Brodick a near full moon swings into view, illuminating the sea.  It’s big, fat, yellow.  Fat yellow moonshine, lighting up the water.

Guaranteed to make you smile, then cry.