Notes About The Poem

example of whigmaleerie www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/wullie-waggletail/

 

POETIC PEOPLE SERIES whigmaleerie

Tribute to William Soutar 1898-1943


A  Perthshire Lad William Soutar

William S* showed a poetic voice
the quatrain form,his choice
he named a whigmaleerie
became a lasting legacy

Wiliam Soutar famed for his 119 American cinquains(which he labelled epigrams) also wrote  whigmaleeries for children .

In dialect and lyric William’s
poetry soon found fame.
Whims and fanciful notions
these  whigmaleerie were known.

Less popular yet, equally unique
verse in English, oh so terse. This
genre , American cinquain consolidated 
a reputation,once again.



Grew to manhood on the river Tay,
Writing poems ,most every day;
Cinquains,epigrams, whigmaleerie-
& His diary of a dying man,left
Telling observations, for all to see.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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

Smith  Avatar
September 13, 2026 at 2:16 AM
A warmly crafted tribute to William Soutar, rich in literary appreciation and biographical detail. The lively quatrains echo the playful spirit of Soutar’s whigmaleeries, while the references to his dialect verse, cinquains, epigrams, and moving diary give this brief portrait real substance.
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