Scottish Poetry Selection
- To the Emigrants

Leaving Scotland involves both anticipation and sadness. A silent blessing on those who make this trip.


To the Emigrants

I rested by the silent Firth
Horizonless in autumn mist
Save where he sun in golden mirth
The far off waters kissed.

And suddenly there came a wave
That spake in surges at my foot
And ceased - a messenger that gave
His message and was mute.

Across the sea a glance I cast -
A sea all glassy smooth again-:
A great grey ship went gliding past -
I read my message then.

I blest her as she passed me by:
O may the gleam of western gold
That lies before them where they fly
A happy omen hold!

Return to the Index of Walter Wingate Poems or the General Index of Scottish Poetry



Where else would you like to go in Scotland?






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