Skirl of the Piper

There was an awful caterwailing and clamour 
as the pipes filled up with air and swirled
today it was for an orange march
playing the protestain songs of inflamitary verse.

Many were the songs and events the piper was called to skirl
one day it would be dirges the next for highland dances
where amidst the laughter the pipes sang their tunes
some were ballads of times long gone, others were clan songs

Once he had played for a royal wedding in Balmoral castle
now that was a grand occasion with the final dance of swords
pretty girls kicked up their heels showing the odd glimpse
of underwear neath their kilts whilst their sash's flew freely
Nimbly they stepped around the sword circle
high on pointed toes for all like ballerina's
and still the pipes skirled as the piper blew the notes
the bag wheezing with the effort and force of air

Red faced he played on for hours downing the odd dram
to keep his lips a-pucker and to fire his blood
until at last all were done and sat quiet around the fire
and agreeing it had been a grand Ceilidh as the piper rested.

The pipes now quiet and deflated stood in the corner
tomorrow at dawn they would again skirl welcoming the sun
as over the horizon it slowly crept darkness changing to light
until there it was in all its glory greeted royally by the skirling pipes


Ceilidh is a Scottish folk gathering where much whisky is downed and many
reels are danced made more joyous by a good piper skirling and tall stories 
told.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Mcintosh Avatar
August 16, 2014 at 1:00 AM
This does sound like people having a great time. I enjoyed reading about it and appreciate your liking my poem in your contest. God bless you and happy writing.
Richards Avatar
August 15, 2014 at 7:27 PM
There is something so haunting in the sound.....I get the chills hearing them play! Well told in your poem!
Onclaud Avatar
August 14, 2014 at 11:09 AM
wow, this sparkling piece brings me joy , shadow... lovely ritual, lovely work.. huggs
Dietrich Avatar
August 14, 2014 at 12:31 AM
this sounds so fun. Gosh, it makes me wish I was part of this culture. actually, my ancestors were. too bad I could take no part in it. Very nice, Shadow.
Curtis Avatar
August 13, 2014 at 7:26 AM
I think I could fit in very well in a place like that. Thanks for sharing Shadow.
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