Scottish Poetry Selection
- Durisdeer
Durisdeer is a small village in the Lowther Hills in Dumfries and Galloway. It has a large parish church which was the place of worship of the Dukes of Queensberry who lived at Drumlanrig Castle, a few miles to the south. This short poem, written by Lady John Scott in the 19th Century, captures the sense of loss when a loved one passes away.
Durisdeer
We'll meet nae mair at sunset when the weary day is dune,
Nor wander hame thegither by the lee licht o' the mune.
I'll hear your steps nea langer amang the dewy corn,
For we'll meet nae mair, my bonniest, either at e'en or morn.The yellow broom is waving abune the sunny brae,
And the rowan berries dancing where the sparkling waters play;
Tho' a' is bright and bonnie it's an eerie place to me,
For we'll meet nae mair, my dearest, either by burn or tree.Far up into the wild hills there's a kirkyard lone and still,
Where the frosts lie ilka morning and the mists hang low and chill.
And there ye sleep in silence while I wander here my lane
Till we meet ance mair in Heaven never to part again!Meaning of unusual words:
dune=done
lee licht o' the mune=cold light of the moon
brae=hillside
rowan=mountain ash
burn=stream
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
