Scottish Poetry Selection
- Patriotism
This poem on "Patriotism" by William Soutar (1898-1943) is not the more usual, resounding clarion call, but speaks of his love for his native land (near Perth where he was born) - and finishes with a twinkle in his eye.
The words of this poem are reproduced by kind permission of the copyright holder, the National Library of Scotland.
Patriotism
Whan I haik't up to Craigie Hill
And lookit east and west;
"In a' the world," said I to mysel',
"My ain shire is the best."Whan I haik't up to Craigie Hill
And frae the hicht look't doun;
"There is nae place," said I to mysel',
"Mair braw nor our borough-toun."And a' be mysel' on Craigie Hill
I spak in the Lord's ear;
"O! whan the haly bugles trill
Lat me wauken up richt here.!Meaning of unusual words:
haik't=hiked
shire=county
hicht=height
braw=excellent
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
