Notes About The Poem
Example for "In Their Voice" Historical poetry contest (Writing a poem in the voice of someone in history, real or imagined) The Battle of Culloden was a turning point in the war between Scotland during the Jacobite uprising of 1746. Many lost their lives and more than that, their way of life after this battle. ANGUS is an imagined person as well as the poem, yet I can imagine there were poems like this at that time. <3

I Must Awa


I must awa and sorrowful be, 
I must awa and take leave of thee.
 My bonnie wee lass who holds me so near,
 I'll soon return to ye, my Bonnie, my dear.
I must awa to Culloden to be sure, 
to battle the sassenach or we'll be nay more.
I must awa with musket and bow,
I must awa, awa from me home.
Oh aye, I do ken what awaits me there.
Oh aye, I do ken I'll miss ye rua hair.
With tartan and plaid they'll ken the Mackree
 I must awa, mo rún, to fight for thee.

~ In the voice of: Angus Michael James Mackree
The battle of Culloden, 16th April 1746
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Crandall Avatar
January 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I love the dialect. It reminds me of a folk song.
Woods Avatar
January 23, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Thanks David! Xo
Empress Avatar
January 22, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Ive been watching outlander, so the language used here is so very familiar and fitting for the description youv stated on top! Profound write! Well delivered too with sublime rhymes, pleasure reading this! Sending you light always
Woods Avatar
January 23, 2025 at 7:15 AM
That's my favorite book series ever! The series was really good too, one of the best book to screen conversions I've seen. Thanks so much! Xo
Dietrich Avatar
January 18, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Thanks for the example. Gosh. How does one research language patterns? I think I would be horrible at that. But it's still a really good writing challenge and I hope I can think something up!
Dietrich Avatar
January 19, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Oh. I could never do Shakespeare. Haha!
Woods Avatar
January 19, 2025 at 11:34 AM
I think when we read the writings, poems, dairies, ect from history, we can get some idea of the patterns of speech. Shakespeare has so many that probably imitate the way some people actually spoke, at least somewhat. It doesn't need to be perfectly accurate, just hinting at it. I hope you do try it and I know you'll do well! Xo
Parker Avatar
January 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Clever, poignant, and stellar pacing. CDub. Was almost in Scotland, 1746. :o))
Woods Avatar
January 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Sweet! I've done some reading that sparked my interest. Thanks for the uplifting comment! Xo
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace