James Fraser Poet Concrete

The Scottish Thistle

I am the
Scot's thistle
The emblem of my
proud country it has
been our valiant
pride for so
                                  many years                                    
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 The thistle has been the national emblem of Scotland 
since the reign of Alexander III (1249 - 1286) and was
 used on silver coins issued by James III in 1470. 
According to the legend, an invading Norse army was
 attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scots army 
encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norseman
 had the misfortune to step upon a Scots Thistle, 
causing him to cry out in pain, thus alerting Scots
      to the presence of the Norse invaders.


My entry into Deborah Guzzi's " Oh, what a Shape I'm in! "  contest.
Not easy doing the above, i nearly went cross eyed.

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Ann Gilmour November 30, 2020 at 12:34 PM I love this James, it is exquisite and you certainly deserve the top spot in Brian's contest. With kindest thoughts Ann xx James Fraser November 30, 2020 at 12:37 PM Thank you kindly Ann, this form is a real challenge, with ample patience, James :)

Beata Agustin November 30, 2020 at 12:37 AM Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this. God bless you. James Fraser November 30, 2020 at 7:35 AM Thank you Beata :)

Elaine George November 29, 2020 at 8:49 PM A MASTERPIECE! dear James. I hope your eyes are ok now. lol! ~ Elaine James Fraser November 30, 2020 at 7:37 AM I can still recall doing this, and yes, my eyes ended up 'cross-eyed' trying to keep it in line <*v*> thanks kindly for popping by, James :)

Andrea Dietrich November 29, 2020 at 6:33 PM Lovely, James. So good to see you on here and at the top of the list. Congrats. James Fraser November 30, 2020 at 7:42 AM A rare occasion being here, but I enjoy when I do. Thank you kindly for popping by Andrea. I trust you and your family are well amidst the 'Covid Chaos' take care, James xx

Sara Kendrick November 29, 2020 at 11:50 AM Congrats on your winning work. Yes, doing these shapes isn't an easy endeavor but you did really well with it. Interesting story about the thistle. Sara James Fraser November 30, 2020 at 7:49 AM They're really prickly Sara, and you certainly don't want to land on one. Not easy to create, took me ages, but I got there in the end. Thanks for popping by, James xx

Anne-Lise Andresen November 29, 2020 at 11:35 AM - Congratulations on your top win in the "SHAPE UP" contest, James :) - // Anne-Lise :) James Fraser November 30, 2020 at 8:00 AM Thank you kindly Anne-Lise :) a challenge to create, and a sigh to look at once finished. Thank kindly for popping by, James xx

Sam Kauffman November 29, 2020 at 10:34 AM Beautifully done James. Congratulations on your win. James Fraser November 30, 2020 at 8:08 AM Many thanks Sam, thanks kindly for popping by, James :)

Raul Moreno November 30, 2009 at 10:01 PM James, congrats on your success in Deborah's contest...Raul

Sharon Winter November 30, 2009 at 1:33 PM Wow James! This is a most awesome win! Warm congrats and so very well deserve! Thank you also for your thoughtful congrats. So appreciated. love, shar xoxo

Carol Sunshine Brown November 30, 2009 at 1:07 PM Congratulations on your win in Deborah's contest James. Love,Carol

Linda-Marie Sweetheart November 30, 2009 at 9:10 AM Congratulations, James, on your winning poem and design in Deb.'s contest.. I think it should have placed first because it is so unique but I am glad u were recognized for your ingenious artwork and words.. happy to be sharing stage with u as an honorable mention... this was a challenge contest for me with the art work... blessings ... luv.. Linda-Marie "Sweetheart"

Carrie Richards November 29, 2009 at 6:56 PM Congratulations, James, this was a winner first time I read it...great verse as well as form!! Love, Carrie

Donna Golden November 29, 2009 at 5:49 PM Wonderful piece, James, and I applaud you for your effort! I just couldn't get the gumption to try this form. Someday I will! Congrats on your success in the contest! Hugs, Donna

Melody Coster November 12, 2009 at 5:56 PM Hi James, me again. This piece was truly interesting and quite a joy to read. I can just see that barefoot norseman stepping upon the thistle and a noise he must have made. That sure would make me cry out in pain. Once again another piece of your that I have truly enjoyed reading. Melody?

Elaine George October 28, 2009 at 10:54 AM Beautiful! A winner for sure! Love, Lainie

October 24, 2009 at 2:12 PM What a creative entry with visual appeal and historical value all rolled into one. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Good luck in the contest. Karen

Carol Sunshine Brown October 24, 2009 at 6:46 AM James I see a sure winner here. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your poetry with us. Love, Carol

Sara Kendrick October 24, 2009 at 4:38 AM Doing those designs are very difficult and someone like me with astigmatism almost impossible. I love it and the legend. Those thistles are painful but have a beauty of their own. Artichokes are a thistle. Keep writing. Sara

Charmaine Chircop October 23, 2009 at 11:46 PM one of the winners and in my favs..excellent Fraser..excellent;)Charma

Iolanda Scripca October 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM James, James, James, I love when poets also educate. I learned something new today thanks to you :) Thank you for your comment on my "Hearts Against Will". Love, Iolanda

Pamela Griffiths October 23, 2009 at 7:35 PM This is great!! I wouldn't know where to start with this!..... love Pamx

Doris Culverhouse October 23, 2009 at 7:29 PM very good image!! I like the poem too, scot's thistle could be Georgia thistle also, we have a plenty, they are pretty and painful like the rose.

Linda-Marie Sweetheart October 23, 2009 at 5:30 PM Wonderful insight James into your beautiful country... made me feel I was right there.. neat setup ... thankxxx for explanation too ... Linda-Marie

Raul Moreno October 23, 2009 at 5:24 PM Amazing creation James, I know the difficulty in shaping a poem of this caliber. Nice work and best of luck...Raul

Carrie Richards October 23, 2009 at 5:03 PM Clever and very educational as well!! Enjoyed reading this interesting history!! ~ Well done, James! ~ Carrie