Notes About The Poem

A Tribute poem to both Robbie Burns and to my own Scottish roots

Nay Greet For Me Lass

Nay greet for me, I yet live   
ne'er was I a bairn to ye
mind me ere  I once were    
when drouthy neibors met            
t'were to tak a dram or two          
then tak the gate              
na think on lang miles         
nor of sulky dame              
as frae her ye flee 'd           
na catch'd wi' a skellum       
blethering lik a blellum       
ah lass na greet for me        
by the auld haunt kirk  
auld Nick a towzie tyke
nay catch'd this bogle
who scre'd the pipes and
gart them all a skirl       
til skies a' did dirl
an in cauld hand held a candle
his ain soul now bereft
bides her lass, nay greet for me


translation

 
Do not cry for me, I yet live
never was I a baby to you
mind me as I once was
when thirsty neighbours met
it was to share a dram or two
then take the road home
do not think of long miles
nor of sullen wife
as from her you fled
not to be caught as a waster
rambling like a boaster
do not cry for me lass
by the old haunted church
Old Nick a shaggy dog
could not catch this ghost
who screwed the pipes 
and make them squeal 
until the heavens all ring 
and in his hand a candle held
his ain soul now bereft
bides her, lass do not cry for me
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
June 9, 2015 at 5:45 PM
wow, this one your own too. I am impressed!
Hamilton Avatar
June 9, 2015 at 6:00 PM
ty Andrea it is close to my heart my auld scots be a wee bit rousty lol hugs
Dietrich Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 10:57 PM
so you translated for that classic poem? I'm so glad to read the second one because I could barely make out the first one. Awesome to think how you have Scottish roots. I am sure I have a "wee bit" of them too!!!
Hamilton Avatar
June 9, 2015 at 4:11 PM
I wrote them both Andrea I just put up a translation for those who do not know old scots I was born in Scotland my mother is pure Scottish my father is half Scottish half English "too = tay" shame you can not hear me recite it lol. hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 11:06 AM
I really like these pieces Shadow, very colorful and real.
Hamilton Avatar
June 8, 2015 at 6:57 PM
ty Rick has special meanings for me hugs
Dome Avatar
June 6, 2015 at 3:02 AM
This is an incredible write. I love it so much. So skilfully delivered, in old Scottish. I love Burns too,but nee understand him without translation. A joy to read. very well done. Pete.
Hamilton Avatar
June 6, 2015 at 4:29 AM
ty Pete lang time hugs
La France Avatar
June 5, 2015 at 1:19 PM
Shadow, this is outstanding, so wonderfully penned 7 and thanks for my awesome win in your comic book contest
Hamilton Avatar
June 5, 2015 at 2:46 PM
ty Connie hugs
Horne Avatar
June 3, 2015 at 5:31 AM
lovely write here, my friend - my Scottish isn't very good so was grateful at times for the translation!
Hamilton Avatar
June 5, 2015 at 2:45 PM
ty Jack hugs
Onclaud Avatar
June 1, 2015 at 7:35 AM
what a stirring work displaying your sensitive side, shadow... i am amazed by the poignancy of your piece.. huggs
Hamilton Avatar
June 1, 2015 at 2:48 PM
ty very much Nette hugs
Apell Avatar
May 30, 2015 at 3:16 AM
Shadow, this conjures in my mind the emotive scenes of a Dickens story. Enjoyed it!
Hamilton Avatar
June 1, 2015 at 2:47 PM
ty Agona hugs
A  Avatar
May 27, 2015 at 7:57 PM
Shadow, I'm amazed how you carried the flow in the poem
Hamilton Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 3:45 AM
ty Skat hugs
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