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BEFORE YOU READ THIS
I suggest that my Scottish poems are read in the following order to unravel the story and meaning behind them, as it will clarify certain things regarding the thinking and heredity involved and as these have been written as a series and have a definite order. Seeds of Time The Pipers
The Battle of the Pipers
The Piper's Last Call
In previous times of yore as history recalls,
memories in my mind are locked up inside.
The hand of the eternal clock so slowly falls,
bringing visions yet unseen with humble pride.
I glance at sweeping green pasture scenes,
mountain ramparts bestride blue lochs below,
from rousing memories rooted in my genes,
reminiscences of times past many years ago.
Unknown forebears from Scotland departed,
a century plus in time since leaving their land.
Of pioneering stock strong and stout hearted,
five generations have since been spanned.
Still I see that distant land over many seas,
though to Bonnie Scotland I’ve never been.
I smell the heather and soft highland breeze,
a land these eyes of mine have never seen.
The swirl of dancers with swords on ground,
drums pounding and skirling bagpipes loud.
Wee drams of uisce beatha* gladly downed,
tartan men kilted in a happy Sunday crowd.
Emotions flare full make my feelings bright,
for nought stirs me like the bagpipes sound,
Or bright sparkling stars in the chill of night,
emotions savoured since my childhood found.
I’ve been to battle under the bagpipes skirl,
and hear them call me as each day goes by.
Bonnie lassies dance as kilts flair and swirl,
as tears build up inside and I want to cry.
I’m far removed from my previous heritage,
but I was born an Aussie and mighty proud,
for I’m lucky to have such a great privilege,
so I sing those fond recollections out aloud.
“Uisce beatha” pronounced “whiskey bah”
It is Scottish for “water of Life”
What we westerners call Scotch or Whisky.
In due reverence too, I must point out that a person from Scotland
is referred to as a Scot or Scotsman, NOT a Scotchman !!!
.
Author notes
I often wonderif the feelings one has are from a previous life of the forefathers or just an accumulation in the mind from watching the current electrical media and literature, but these feelings are real to me, so I enjoy them as they are and as the come.
Written April 6th, 2006
In a list
A contest entry
- A TRIBUTE TO RHYME by Heavens Child.
425 points, ended April 11, 2007, 19 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Sacred Chants & Hymns Of Praise by Mercury Rising.
1000 points, ended August 17, 2007, 18 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
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A very well-crafted poem that was written with a great deal of heart and soul and was a real pleasure to read. Best of luck in my contest, and thanks for entering this wonderful piece.
David
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The rhyme here is smooth...and the yearning for the Bonnie Land is richly colored. You mention in the author note that you wonder at the sense you feel for your heritage...I suggest...genetic memory...just my own personl explanation for similar feelings I have for those of my Native American heritage...I am moved and have no more words...so...on to the next poem in the series..
...Peace, Rhonda
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I must agree.
I must agree with Orrtarah and I love the Scottish brogue. Many times I have felt as you do. My husband is of Scottish blood with his name that means a King I believe. Of course there is the English blood in him as well. I am of native American, German and Dutch with a few hill billys mixed in.
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I really like the use of some Scottish dialect in this one. It does a lot to give it that authentic feel. You also do a great job of engaging all of the senses by remainding us of the smell of the heather and the sound of the pipes. It's more than just a mental image. You feel as if you are there.
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Wow that is a great poem. thanks for entering and good luck in the contest!
<3 Mia -
Wow! Very nice job and good luck! ~rain
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You are so perceptive,
Edited on Apr 20, 9:50 because ''. -
Bazza, I think I knew you then, your sword in hand and your chivalry was bestowed upon the man who tried to kill my father, the king. I thank you for this,,for you left that day and I was eternally thankful.
Hey we have got to keep up the facade of this don't we?
Your poem has great imagery for I feel the green Scotish rolling grass underneath my barefeet. -
Kenny, thank you so much for both applause and lovely comments. This poem tries to explain what I don't know but feel, and the others just come and I read them for I am only the holder of the pen. i love your work too and will reciprocate.
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excellent
wow an excellent piece of writing my friend,and although you've never been to this great land,it's so nice to see that you've still got a lot of Scottishness in your blood.And describe things just so well.I'll add you to my favourites my friend,and proud to.Kenny -
thank-you so much for entering this poem truly reminds me of all the storys my mother has told me about my great grandma in Scotland.thanks Bazza
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AphroditeEnchained, thank you for the lovely comment and I am glad you enjoyed it. I hope that you like some of my other work too, especially the Piper poems.
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This is so utterly different to anything else i've seen. Pride in one's origins seems so rare nowadays so wherever those feelings come from, be proud of them.
You owe the woman who helped you out with the scottish words a lot of thanks
those definitely did it for me 
Thanks for entering
-Aphrodite
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theprincess thank you for your applause and comment. There are a few other Scota poems too, and I hope you have time to read more of my work.
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Vampular thank you for your applause and comment.It s nice to have one's work appreciated.
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excellent write - flow is great rhyme are not cheesy but flow like water i will applaud this beautiful write
michele -
awesome
Go the Aussies,I am very proud to be one for shore.
Brilliant write my friend.
I read your author page and I fully agree with you Bazza,this site realy takes things to far,some of my recent writes you may not like though I was requested to write a couple,I am careful as my children may read,any-way if you ever read mine I suggest my earlier stuff.I have come across poems of horrific rape poems and in crude detail,I have nearly left this site a few times,though it has it's positives too,as we make nice friends hey?any-way take-care mate from Tracey. -
Mairi, I dont mind fighting the cheats and recalling battles of the past .... but taking on the Pressies ??? geez !!
Glad you liked it and looking up the links you sent. Thanks love. -
I have had a thought, Bazza. Not since the introduction of Presbyterianism has there ever been a "happy Sunday crowd" in Scotland
. I like the re-write very much.
Slainte mhath, a'charaid.
M -
Mairi, I have rewritten and fine tuned it and would like your comments on the rewrite when you get a chance.
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Hi Bazza. Ok, here comes wee Miss Picky frae Dundee...
"Drums pounding and wailing bagpipes loud
A yard of welcome beer cheerfully downed"
They skirl, Bazza, they skirl! And a yard of ale is a very English thing. How about something like:
"Drums pounding and skirling bagpipes loud
A dram of uisce beatha cheerfully downed."
By the way, uisce beatha is pronounced "whiskey bah", so the scansion remaines the same. It means "water of life".
Fine poem, Bazza
M
Edited on Apr 09, 10:32 because 'I cannae spell'. -
Thanks Ron, It is fun writing this and I wonder where my mind will be next week. Thanks for the comment and applause.
How do I join the Winklings ?? -
Scotlasnd the Brave. I have been to Scotland. I have friend here who is a Scot to the boots. I feel that nostalgia is more powerful emotionally than the patriotism at home. I say this sincerely because times they are a-changing. But the Scottish ballads and Australian bush ballads, although different, celebrate times far away in the mists of time. Barry, you got me going! Thank you for your wonderful write. Ron.
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A scotsman said to me one day " I don't know where the wind is coming from ... but i sure know where it is going " lol that's all I can say except thanks for the applause and taking the time to read it and comment too. Thanks love.
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After reading your author's comments, I am wondering if you have perhaps been...reincarnated. lol I too get those feelings of belonging to a certain era or can relate to the sense of belonging to a time period that is NOT now the one I presently live in. There is a comfort in that feeling I believe that draws us there.
Your poem describes many things using much imagery along lifes journey. Whether it is a combination of the media or from the imagination within the mind, it is all beautifully said and leaves a wonderful picture in the mind. The babpipes playing their melodies loud has an eerie feeling upon my own soul. In the US about the only time we have the bagpipe sound is during a parade and the sound of them is much different than the regular marching band. There is a respect for them far outreaching the others.
And as for those kilts....well...we woman always wonder.
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Sorry for the typo I meant I HOPE you don't mind my brazenness ... can't imagine how I wrote hate ... maybe it is time for bed ....
Edited on Apr 09, 4:09 because ''. -
Hello Dragonsear, thanks for the comments and I hate you dont mind my brazeness but i was taught to do the right thing by people, and try hard to do it, so I am entitled to dislike the chaets who take and give nothing in return, and that is what is wrong with society in general. The good should not suffer the bad. Anyway, everyone will be judged eventually.
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You're on a roll, Barry. your brazenness astounds me. As for this piece, I like to think that our genes contain memories of your forefathers and that's how integrity survives and ones love for heritage. I don't even know what my heritage is. I can guess but, there's not much certainty. enjoyed this as always. take care.
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Shaz. Not yet to my knowledge.
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They didn't comment?
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THE VULTURES CLUB.
It is disappointing when using so many hard earned points to feature a poem and so few 'poets' take the time to comment but never knock back the points. The following people viewed the poem without a solitary comment, and those that did comment in the spirit of the site have been thanked for their comments.
sullangirl, Geneva, Vera Rich, Anon-nona, Shortandproud150, theslayer, emrodrigues, Donna Hobart, ShelleyA, Laura Lamarca, Coppercross, Lost Wthout U (twice), timidswagger, shadow69, looking glass, ATLHustlaGlrl, water Fang, bluejeanbaby87, angelcalled66, Newbeliever08, Only in my dreams.
These poets have been added to the above club and many have several entries.
Edited on Apr 07, 8:54 p.m. because 'Added more names'. -
mistic moonlite thanks for the comment Linda ..I am gald yu liked it .. great encouragement Warmest regards,
Barry -
this is so thought provoking..keeps ones mind active thats for sure, keep these poems up and share..as one likes to see different types on here.. thanks for sharing..
Linda -
LionessK, thank you for reading and applauding my poem and I hope that I can write some more that you like.
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Sonja, thank you for such a nice comment and also for applauding my poem. It is nice to have one's work appreciated and liked. Warmest regards.
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This was beautifuly written.. you have so many excellent lines and your descriptions are lovely. I especially liked the the second and sixth stanzas. This was a pleasure to read and I thank Shahrzad for sending me the link..
~Kristy -
Your dear Princess pointed to me this poem and it worth. Nice and strong poem, but full of proud and soft sentiments. Like a picture from some lost and found memories. Great used pictures are very vivid and story is greats, nice flowing because of perfect rhyme. Bravo
~Sonja~ -
Yay
cool poem. -
Thank you Catressa for your comment and applause.
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Yes,I quite agree with you that the poems shouldn't necessarily be short.I have lots of narrative poems,but really don't dare to post them...lol..but your poems are not long at all.
love you dearest daddy,
Shahrzad
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Wonderful write.. Take Care, Catressa
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kDawgThugPunk thank you for the comment but I dont know why people have the idea that poetry should be short and of few words as possible. (free verse) as it contradicts the real definition of poetry. When you read an article in a newspaper, do yo stop after the first sentence ?? I have had this type of comment many times but am always happy that I had created enough interest for the reader to follow through to the end. I write picture poems that do it all for you so all you have to do is use your eyes and watch the picture in your mind ...
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For some reason, this seemed long to me. BUt it wasn't one of those "This is long and boring"... but it was long and I enjoyed the scenes I was seeing in my head enough to want to read more of it. Finishing the poem made me feel accomplished as opposed to ... blah...
Good write, and keep up the good work. -
ask261 thank you for taking the time to read my poem and for such a wonderfully descriptive comment about Scotland and maybe it would be a good idea for me to research it and write my own version of the story. I really appreciate your taking the effort and wish you my warmest best wishes in your own writing. Barry
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Angellover you are so sweet for taking the time to read and comment on my work and I hope you enjoy more. Thank you so much and warm regards to you too.
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Puppydog, I wish to thank you for taking the time to read my work and commenting on it. I hopeyou have the time to read some of my other work too. Best regards.
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This piece had sadness, beauty, imagery, and a fantastic rhyming scheme! There seems to be some pride for the countries of Australia and Scotland, though tales of sad battles once claiming such territories. At the moment, we are playing "Loch Lomond" in band, a piece about one of the Scottish battles. It was written in the times where the Scotts wanted a king of their own, instead of a British king...and when people rebelled and fought battles to overrule the power of Britain, they were imprisoned. One person would live, but the other would die, and hence the words, "ye'll take the high road and I'll take the low road, an' I'll be in Scotland afore ye', but me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond." They would come to see each other as spirits, but never would their eyes meet eachother's bodies...to my understanding, the soon to be dead would take the shorter road to Scotland, his homeland, and his live love would take the long road to Scotland....of course, for that person is held prisoner. It is a very sad song, yet holds a lot of beauty...and your writing reminded me of it.
You have a gifted way of writing and I only hope to see more! By the way, if you wanted to know, that piece was arranged by Frank Tichelli. -
wow this piece was very well expressing and brought a lot of meaning insidei it, thanks for sharing, keep up the awesome poetry...
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Who knows, perhaps you were a Scot in a previous life.As you can tell by my name I am sure I came from King Arthurs time.thos was a tremendous write, full of colour, Ros
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TRULY VERY BEAUTIFUL
This is so beautiful my dear friend, I too have had from time to time dreams of a far away place and could picture it in my mind ever so clear. I agree with you that maybe we were in another life born and living in a different land and a different culture.
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Hi Bob, this was an experiment which turned out better than I hoped. Your writing has slowed down lately ... new interests ?
I hope you are not offended that I wrote a children'spoem, but that one has been hanging around too long and it was time to write it. -
wtchr thank you for your comment and taking the time. I hope you have time to read some of my other work which covers many subjects and most are 'picture poems".
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Really nice piece! Drew good images of a poetic Scotland, bagpipes, sword dancing and all lol. I liked it and I can see why the structure appeals to people. It reads very easily with shorter lines and an abab form. Descriptively very imaginative.
Good write..... -
wtchrpr...4.5
Bazza;
I find this a stirring write. You have paid such wonderfull tribute to your heritage. This offering was exhilerating as the scenes came alive through your pen. The 'highland fling' was described with great vision and detail, as was the dress and demeanor of kinsmen. Your pride in the land, it's people, it's history and customs are referenced aptly through your heartfelt poem. Your imagination and colorful images make this a very pleasant read. -
You are so lucky, like me, I have never been there in body but I have such wonderful feelings so even if I never get there I will be able to pass some of my spirit to my descendants.I have a few others that touch on Scotland in a similar way and maybe The Pipers allpoetry.com/
Poem/1909921 will make your dreams that little bit more real. Thank you for your wonderful words as you have encouraged me to keep writing. Many other poems of mine would be to your liking too. -
Daddy,I'm not biased...I'm not the only one who says this.
Love you,
Shahrzad
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Aaahh that's a lovely thing to say my Sweet but maybe you are a little biased !! lol but who cares ?? I love your kind words and will buy that elastic hat I was talking about. xooxox
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scotland is one of the places on my to visit dream list. you have given me wonderful imagery to sleep with tonight. great write. viyanna r langager
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Daddy,you really deserve to have lots of readers for you're a wonderful poet.
Princess
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rose2005 thank you for such encouraging comments on my work and I hope you have time to read some of my previous work as well.
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dustookie2 thatey are lovely words of encouragement you have written for me and I thank you so much. I really appreciate the applause too and hope that you enjoy some of my other poems as much.
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Crimson Sorrow, thank you or such lovely comments and I am so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy some of my other work as much.
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Lovely expresstion. This is simply beautiful,excellent loving piece. Beautiful imagery is very good and it flows well.
Good job!I liked it.
You painted a nice a beautiful picture
Thanks for the read.
Keep up the good work Very beautifully done -
nice work
what imagery came through your words...some very nice lines too portraying your heritage....this was enjoyable to read and brought many thoughts of my own past....really well done -
Now this is talent!!!.. This was amazing, I loved it!!.. You did an amazing job with this, it was brilliant.. I hope to read more from you soon!!! ♥
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Stonelion thank you for the nice comment. It was an experiment using a different structure than my normal 'picture poem' so it is gratifying that it worked OK. Maybe some of my other work will please you too.
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I like this piece. The feel of the piece on whole is really nice and enjoyable. I like the title a lot too. Great work!
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Excellent Writing
Every verse just lifted me higher and higher! Terrific feelings are formed in reading this and understanding of pride in Scottish heritage is enlightened in the reader.
Barry, I look forward to your new poems, knowing the quality is always there. --Ellis -
blessedbeyondbelief thank you for such a wonderful comment. I hope you have time to explore my other work as well as my religious ones.
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Guineveres Analogy Thank you for such a beautiful comment and I am so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you read some of my other poetry and enjoy them as much for they are more image vivid due to their different construction.
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Marvelous
Absoutely beautiful. The imagery you created with your well chosen words were outstanding. I've listened to bagpipes and often wondered where the player wanted me to go...now I know. It's a beautiful place my eyes will never see but with your eloquent writing I have an image that nothing but the real thing will compare to...You've done a marvelous job at making your heritage so very picturesque. Keep up the awesome work. -
"I glimpse emerald green pasture scenes,
Mountain ramparts bestride lochs below,
Rousing memories rooted into my genes,
Reminiscences of times past so long ago"~ I appreciated this verse for its beautiful imagery and color.It really made me want to see a picture in front of me of rolling green meadows! I enjoyed the write comepletely. It was really a wonderful tribute to your ancestors and shows your desire to visit your homeland. Yes, seeds of time are sown and we become them. I hope your dream comes true and you do yourself justice and find the emerald pastures of peace within.
Jennifer
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papalegba thank you for your comments and I hope you read some of my other work and like it as much.
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The Darkest Flower thank you for you rlovely comment and I am so happy you liked this poem. Maybe some ofmy other work will appeal too.
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antichrist08 thank you for your comment but saying one's thoughts should never be a problem, especially in a family. If you are proud of your heritage say so and then satnd by your signature saying. Surely you are allowed to be an individual and floow your own feelings ??
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ah if i were only there as i felt when i read this beauty
keep writing
love the papa -
This is really nice. I love everything about it. It's very beautifully written. Keep on writing, it's vert elegant.
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its sounds like your strong with your hartigage and are not afraid to show it. i wish i could talk like this but some poeple in my family if i showed appreation to i wouldn't be liked that much. this was a great strong write, strong like i could never do. thnx.
-justin- -
looking glass, what can I say ?? what a beautiful comment on my work. If you go to my author's page you will find what you have asked for, and so if you want to read my work, may I suggest you go to UNSEEN and work forwards.
I am working on a book complete with my own illustrations but this site ties me up whenever I talk about leaving. You can view my paintings as well because all the little camera symbols depict one of them.
The axeman allpoetry.com/poems/1732831 is a long poem and is one of my 'picture poems which was written when I first began a few years ago.
You can chat with me on bazgoulton on yahoo or direct at bazthompson@bigpond.com instead of through this site. The direct email address is better as I dont switch Yahoo on very often.
I look forward to your reply.
Regards,
Barry. -
Joan thank you for the applause and lovely comments. Actually it was my great great (how many ??) grandfather who came from Scotland to NZ in the mid 1800's. Great great etc just would not fit in and I have to rewrite that part as it is well over a century. I actually have a postcard dated 1897 from New Zealand.
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Dear Barry, I loved your poem, the feelings you get sounds like your Great granpa is visiting you and letting you feel the sensations of your Scottish Ancestory and that's wonderful my friend, you are very blessed, so keep on enjoying their visits. Yes I sit quietly in my meditation room and get wonderful messages, some I have posted on AP as Inspirational poems.
Hugs Joan
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Stingersinger53 thank you for such a wonderful comment and I am so pleased you enjoyed my work, but it was merely a story of my feelings that come regularly to me.
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PrincessPerdue Hello Shaz, thnaks for the lovely comments but actually what I wrote about is the truth. I have never set foot in the British Isles even though I would love to .. but these feelings are very strong at times and vividly reside in my head. You are so lucky to have visited the place of my dreams.
Edited on Apr 06, 6:22 p.m. because ''. -
Nuthouse, thank you for the lovely comment, but you are an American like I am an Australian but with a Scottish Heritage, so we share that common bond, but one day or evening when you are all alone, let your mind go free and just let the visions grow without help.... give it a try and let me know what happens. Takes some practice ......be patient and determined ..
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buffythe parrotslaye thank you for such a lovely comment. Glad you enjoyed it as it was an experiment at something different in structure.
As far as the undies go, my genes go back to before thay were invented but a saying that has been dormant is still withn me :- I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE WIND IS COMING FROM, ... BUT I SURE KNOW WHERE IT IS GOING !!".... maybe that should blow something on the subject/s...... I do know I feel a prickly sensation from that sporran thing though !! lol -
HeartBroken8954 thank you for the lovely comments and it pleases me so much that you liked my work.
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OnlyTimeWillTell, thank you for the lovely comments and you are one up on me for I only see through my mnd and you are lucky enough to have felt it. I would love to visit Scotland and regenerate my genes for my descendants.
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Dearest Shaz, I really haven't worked it ot but they would have been my great, great,grandparents who left Sctland to settle in New Zealand in the mid to late 1800's and were in fact (and recognised in NZ) as pioneers, when first settling in that country. My grandparents eventually settled in Oz and had a family which were my immediate parents.(Mother). I am still working on my Father's heritage.
Thanks for the wonderful comments and applause. -
Kochibo, thank you for the kind words and I hope that one day (before I leave this world), I will be able to visit Scotland and regenerate the genes for my descendants.
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Canovash, I hope you are ok but with your eyes torn out and a smashed chin, .... maybe you should take up cake icing !! then when you fall forwards !!lol. Thanks mate for the comments and I hope that meant you liked my poem.
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triplethreat-brunet thank you for the comments but one day when it is quiet and you have the world to yourself, let your mind go free and see if the thoughts or visions come ....
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infinitus, thank you for your lovely comments.
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This was beautiful! I love the discriptions. Just wonderful!
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Sandy I thank you but it was your disappointment at my being vacant thta caused me to sit down and write what I was feeling. I wonder about the genes bit because sometimes a strange accent comes to my voice and I am surprised when t happens.
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A very passionate piece of work----there seems to be a yearning for a little taste of the old highlands, so have you never been ? ohhh beautiful scotland! , then again i'd like to see Australia wonderful poetry from you!. Excellent.
shaz xx
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memories are the only things we have after something has faded away. great poem. i am scottish also but have never been there gave me a great picture.
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The Glen.
Memories and feelings are locked up in our genes from many years before and your dream is so delighful.I smell the heather with you and see those strong armed men.It is real to you and you have drawn a charming picture of Bonny Scotland.A pleasure to read and share with you.
P.S.In your dreams do you see if those cute Scottish guys wear underwear or not?All the best.Elizabeth. -
wow I really loved this piece. I loved the imagery. You are a great writer.
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This is brilliant. I like the imagery of the tartam kilts and as i just went to scotland last weekend i can remember it well. Sad emotions, shown very well
Kepp up the good work
xXx
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