"Rabbie" was of Scottish birth,
a farmer's son he came to earth,
a child to give his mother mirth
and also sorrow;
a man whose words have proved their worth
so we may borrow.
"Oppress'd with grief, oppress'd with care,
A burden more than I can bear,"
Despondency was never fair,
until he wrote it -
a catalog of man's despair,
the knowing note it.
The women Rabbie chanced to meet,
"But Nellie's looks are blithe and sweet...
Her reputation is complete,"
there were so many;
"She dresses aye sae clean and neat."
To wife, not any.
When Holy Willie went to prayer,
"O Lord, Thou kens what zeal I bear,
When drinkers drink, an' swearers swear,"
but he said worse,
confessing sins that might compare,
asked God to curse.
He never was too proud to think
"O thou, my Muse! guid auld Scotch drink!
Inspire me, till I lisp an wink,"
in fine rendition,
expending several pints of ink
on Scots tradition.
His life was short, at thirty seven
he went, at least we hope, to heaven;
leaving bairns, perhaps eleven
to mothers' care.
His poetry remains to leaven
the reader's share.
All rights reserved
Author notes
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/357-Robert-Burns-Despondency----An-Ode
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/359-Robert-Burns-Handsome-Nell
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/362-Robert-Burns-Holy-Willie-s-Prayer
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/377-Robert-Burns-Scotch-Drink
In a list
A contest entry
- Rabbie by Keith.
500 points, ended February 2, 2007, 2 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 27 of 27
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Deservedly a Gold Trophy. This work is
definitely publishable literature, cleverly using quotations with humour. You managed to bring the poem into one organic whole.
Being the meticulous person that you are, you referenced the four poems quoted from accurately and thoughtfully.
Each stanza is cleverly crafted in structural tune with the others.
I commend this poem to whomever.
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wonderful and delightful to read again today on the great one's birthdate!
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Very good, enjoyed this.
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Thank you - Burns wrote thoughtful and funny poems.
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Congratulations!
on winning Gold for your well-writ' poem. I made a video "Auld Lang Syne" by various artists at youtube. Here's a link to it:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RtuQCV5UmC8
If you read what I wrote on the right side of the page, you'll see that it's a tribute to Robert Burns and I've included some facts about the song. I hope you enjoy it!
<3 Maureen
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Thanks Maureen, I did not know of your other talents! That is a very good overview of the poem and a nice video.
I'm glad you enjoyed this poem, I had a good time perusing Burns' works to compose it.
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A clarky write I'm lookin' forward to me neeps and tatties.
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thanks!
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Never have I seen this unique form. It works well though. Posesses a more poetic color in that it has line breaks not of the usual,but as one of that era might have written it.Great sonnet.
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Smoooth
I enjoy the freedom and inspiration given by a structured form. It takes extra care to focus on the message and not get carried away with the meter and rhyme.
As I suspected, you're following the form of one of the poems you list (Holy Willie's Prayer), which makes it appropriate for a poem about Burns, but it would be appropriate regardless because it fits the tone so perfectly.
This was a very satisfying read, and a very successful write.
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Is there a name to this form? it is almost limerick- like in its behavior. Very cute all around, although I know not of the subject Mr. Burns. Mayhaps I will click a link eh?...Scott
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I enjoyed this piece very much and I am sure Rabbie would've as well. The poem was smooth and smoothly intermingled bits of the great man's skills..what else can be said but, WELL DONE!
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Wonderful
I love poetry that honors other poetry. You have made me want to go and reread Burns. Your rhyme and meter were perfect. Excellently penned. 
- jo
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Thank you very much, Jo! I'm happy you enjoyed this.
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Delightful!
Dear Margaret, it's been so long since I've read such a delightful and witty ditty. Your collaborated rhyme was just superb bouncing down my screen bringing this Scottsman to life, and what a guy he was too
Golden? You betcha, Congratulations my friend!
love and blessings Sandi
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Thank you Sandi! I was reading some of Burns' poems and wondering how to write for this contest when the word "cento" popped into my head. He was a remarkable young man. More blessings!
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I like it. It's up-beat in a sort of sad way. (don't ask). I love the rhyme.
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Thank you Cylis, for your apreciation and applause. I recommend you take a look at Burns, especially if you love rhyme. He was a great lover of life, lived large and left many sad at his departure.
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Powerful last stanza
My maternal grandmother's side Scottish. Looks like you put much effort into this piece. Powerful last stanza really ehnances. Off hand I am not familiar with Robert Burns although if a piece recited to me I might remember. So nice of you to provide links for us to meet this poet. I think I shall right now. Thank You
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The ploughman of Ayrshire ...
honored very ably indeed. Although you did not address the haggis and whisky, you certainly got his love life into the picture. A rogue who is lovable is more laudable than a saint perhaps because he is more human (?)
Thank you Margaret. You know quite well why your poem is excellent! Ron
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Dear Ron, thank you for your presence. Give me a human being rather than a plaster saint, any day.
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This was very educational.I don't know the people mentioned above so I think that later when I'm not feeling so tired I'm going to read and follow up on your author notes
Kari
Good luck in the contest! -
Dear Margaret
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I think Keith knows that I like poems written in dialect (or whatever it is called.) There is something about the voices that I hear in my head when I read it. Don't know if you are like me but I do hear the voices of my characters when I write (Coelho is one silly example) and also when I read. So I just read your poem and let it dance in my head for a bit.
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so great, Margaret!
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Finest Metre
Your syllables are without fault
Your research: do you have a vault
Of records? This is worth its salt
And no mistake
And if I had a dram o' malt
I hope ye'd take
A sip, tae warm ye, this is braw
Though weather outside may be snaw
Ye've warmed my heart, in weather raw
With such expression
Burns metre, without any flaw
My first impression...
Excellent. Best Wishes. -
Bravo!!!
Margaret, this is delightful. Although I would probably not normally bother, your wonderful poem makes me want to research this man further. Truly a marvelous poem, my friend! Hugs, Patricia
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