Renwick Poems | Examples

I'M Still Here

I'm still here.
Don't let my age fool you,
The troopers said I caused the nation trouble...
Which nation ?
Just Scotland ?
Nae...
All those who run from the Truth that eats them inside.
The killing times continue...
Trying to bury the Way,
But they don't know it just becomes a seed
That grows without work
And thrives in opposition.
You can't hang the Life into the past
My head still thinks
My hands still work
Beyond the Edinburgh grass market
Beyond the Covenanters influence,
Look over your shoulder
I'm still here.




James Renwick, minister, hung at the Edinburgh grass market in 1688 for his faith, aged 26. When the troopers found him, they said "is this young man the one causing the nation so much trouble" ?. They were called "the killing times" in Scotland. They cut off his head and hands and put them on the gates of the city. He is still here.