“Freefall into nature and embrace it, A true companion for life”
Sue Wood
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?
Wood: 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.
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.
“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” by Sue Wood
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
Her books are available for purchase at the following locations:
- Isle of Skye Timeless Shores can be purchased on Amazon
- Òran Uisge – Wildflower Meadow can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Waterstones
If you are a poet, author, or visual artist who is interested in talking about nature and the how natural world inspire your work, send me an email at naturalistweekly[at]gmail.com for more details about the process.
SeasonWords.com 
Lovely soft words in Sue’s poems and in the “Western Sunset” the illustration with its soft warm colours is wonderful. I will check the link to her website. 😊
I know very little about the coasts of Scotland, really only travelling as far north as Ayr when I visited the area for work there in the 70s and 80s. However, “west” coasts call to me and perhaps next year the northwest coast of Scotland will be somewhere we should visit. Skye looks amazing!
Later this year I was hoping to join a print workshop to see what progress I can make with regard to illustrating my own writing. Unfortunately, that is now not likely to happen until sometime next year, but that should enable me to put my written work into order 🤔
Great post, Mark. Many thanks.
Thank you so much Mark for the opportunity and showing my poetry to your followers.
Sue Wood
Hi Sue, Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! It was a pleasure to learn more about your work and your connect to the Isle of Skye.
Hi Ashley, I would agree that the Isle of Skye looks pretty amazing. The location has come up a couple of times in the past couple of weeks. I may have to make a trip out there sometime too.
I do admire those who are able to collect all their works into a cohesive format. I haven’t gotten there yet. But maybe in a couple of years I will give it a try. I look forward to seeing your print making if you get to attend that workshop. Thanks again for the comment! Talk soon,
Thank you for introducing such an amazing poet to us it’s a really wonderful work ☺️
Thanks for your comment! I am glad that you enjoyed Sue’s work.
So beautiful words in poetry.
Yes, I agree. Sue has wonderful poems.