The heather bloomed a shade of red
it never knew before.
Where lay the gallant Scottish dead
in rows at Culloden Moor.
Please tell me sir, have ye been?
Have ye seen me bonnie lad?
He marched away ta fight, ye ken.
And I fear the news is bad.
Dear mhathair that such must weep
for ye’r braw and bonnie one.
Who like a hero sad does sleep
on the fields where battles’ done.
They fell beneath the cannons roar
with naught but sword in hand.
So many lads come home no more
to this wild and glorious land.
Please tell me sir, where doth he lay
that I might go and bring him home.
To the glen where he did spend his days
and the land he called his own.
Brave mhathair t’would not have ye lead
midst the sorrow and the gore.
Ye'r laddie sleeps with the honored dead,
at the shrine of Culloden Moor.
He sleeps the sleep of the gallant just,
of a people made now poor.
And his place belongs, as you ken it must
with the martyrs at Culloden Moor.
Please tell me sir, did they do us proud?
Did they fight for God and King?
Did they shout their war cry long and loud?
Will the bards their glory sing?
Aye, good women, they bravely fought
for their hearts could do no less.
Yet their sword and courage came to naught
’neath the fire of Brown Bess.
Cumberland suffered not to let
naught of mercy to be found.
The last met fire and the bayonet.
May he ever be hell bound...
So let not yer anguished teardrops fall
that he'll no be home no more.
For the highlands ever hear the call
of the ghosts of Culloden Moor...
© 2002 P.M.Williams & P.Patterson
Author notes
Note; This piece is written in both English and Broad Scots. We have tried to portray the times after the battle as well as the Scots lilt.
I am honored to announce that cookiezeal has created a voice over of our poem. If you would like to hear this beautiful recording please contact me by im... Thank you cookiezeal for this lovely gift... (((HUGS)))
Written July 31st, 2002
In a list
- Collaboratio
ns w/ Repomen79 • next in list - All Things Scottish • next in list
- Favorites Written By Other Poets • next in list
What did you think
Comments
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A most enjoyable poetic dialogue. The despair of the seeker comes through as does the scottish grief and anger over the events on Culloden Moor.
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Not to worry, John. Your comments are always welcome and a delight to read.
Big Hugs and lots of laughter
Pat
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It's so nice to have you back where you belon
Well I'll be doggoned! And that will be the least coming to me I fear, it is so good to see you up and about!
Robi', you have to see this one boy!
This is so good Pat! It is magicical! And yes indeed, I'd love to hear it, though my pc is, or may not be, up to those types of theatrics.
Again, just wonderful to see you on my screen!
Love
John
PS> Owe you these points as I couldn't get to this on your page without going through all your things.LOL -
Thank You Timothy, I know you were a big fan of Patrick and his work. We did several together but I think this is our best...
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment..
Hugs & Laughter
Pat -
What a piece of poetry that surely graces the pages of AP! I'm so glad you're keeping breath in Patricks work.
This is so wonderfully inscribed, this surely would do his heart proud, thanks for sharing, and this is outstanding! Bravo! 
-Timothy The Poetic Weaver~ -
Thanks,hun. I don't get back here as often as I'd like to but when I do and there is a comment or two it warms my heart. Especially on this poem. It is one of my favorites too. Patrick was always such a joy to work with...
Thank you for your kind words..
Hugs & Laughter
Pat -
the dialect and language of this poem allowed me to feel as though this was being read TO me. really a very beautifully written poem and I very much enjoyed this read. if my speakers were working here, I'd certainly be requesting a copy of the audio read of this poem. it's so beautiful here I can only imagine the reading!
Jo -
Very nice job here. I like the mix of dialects and languages. Very emotive and descriptive piece here. Beautiful, simply beautiful.
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This is so filled with colloquial language. There is passion in these words. Excellent! I only wish Patric were here for me to let him know how delightful a read this is. An outstanding job. We were suppose to collaborate as well. Never got the chance. That saddens me, but we did do an add-line that is almost just him and I. Towards the ends of the add-line some other friends joined in. I've removed all my posts, and am starting fresh. Maybe around the anniversary of his passing I will post the add-line and other poems I have written about him. I miss him desperately. I am nearly filled to tears.
Beautiful!
Renee
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excellent
Top drawer stuff. ! -
I like this one very much it is very well detailed with words of strength but yet understandable ..thank you for sharing this lovely piece with us..Linda
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b^^d
That is an excellent poetic dialogue. The rhymes are just to die for (I'm a total fan of rhyming) and the story is gorgeous. It's absolutely art and a fine example of poetry. great job
luvya
Bel -
u took a high road...
i could hear the dialect here
lovely piece
the scots history is so sad
the clearences and the destruction of the beautiful calledonian forest
i stayed at colloden house for a bit - luvly place
log fires - amazing food and some local sound chap paid to play the pipes and prance around recying battle stories with a claymore...
what beautiful land we soiled...
Slainte
respek -
best one at AP
Was browsing some old poetry tonight when i came across the audio, you'd sent me, for this poem. Its my favorite.
I love this poem, Stormy. I really do.
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As a poet who writes with accents sometimes, I love seeing a poem written with the correct accent of the region or country. The lilt of the voices in your poem remind me of my Scottish relatives and their stories of the many battles fought in that most breagha land. Very well done!
~Amanda -
Although I may not be familiar with the "broad scots" as well as some of the other word usages, I do find a story here that really does take me back to what you're speaking of. It is nice to see that this was written along with repoman79, I never really got a chance to know him, but know he was a wonderful man. I was really saddened by his death because I wish I could have gotten to speak to him, but I can still enjoy his poetry and that is something that I cherish. This piece I think is very creative because it takes the different usage of language and almost unseen words in most of the poetry I have read , And makes it accessable to those of us less familiar. You have struck a very deep and thoughtful piece here that really gets me interested in what this poem is based on and the history behind it. Excellent work.
Commenting on your IM awhile ago, I can agree that it is not an easy task to choose three works that are your favorites , Because when you work hard on something and work it to what you see as the best it will be, you don't really want to put a label on it and call it this or that. I work very hard on my poetry and take it very seriously, even to the point of exhaustion. I only would say that those that I pick I have more of an affinity to, not favoritism. I have connection and love for all of my work, Because each piece has a little piece of me in it. That is what I feel.
If you ever decide to try your hand at writing free-verse, I would hope you would invite me to read it. I think the way you present your ideas in rhyme reflects that you could be very good with free-verse. I would love to see that. I imagine from what I have seen that it would be damn excellent. You are very original and unique for the style of poetry you use, predominately rhyme as I have seen here, because you use such interesting ideas and don't try to box yourself in. Great piece. I send you my applause.
p.s. : If you would like to read something really different from what I write, then check out this collaboration I did with agazeley:allpoetry.com/Poem/694657 I think it shows that I am versatile in a variety of ways of writing poetry, Allowing me to open horizons when it comes to writing. Although I may not use that style nearly as much as I do free-verse, it is still a very good look into how versatile I am.
much love,
James
Edited on Oct 29 because ''. -
Well, as it was a collaboration I have to give Patrick a bow as well. Funny it wasn't his favorite of what we did together. But I know he liked it all the same.
I'm glad you enjoyed it... And no I didn't read your comments on freedom but I will. Maybe give me some inspiration...
Thank you so much for the comment Kyew...
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dammit, that gives me a shiver down my spine.
I can't even critique this technically - it strikes to close to home.
you've seen my post in the boards on freedom I guess. this is the way I see fighting for freedom - with sword in hand charging cannon in a hopeless fight for the rights of humanity.
very striking. very true. well-named your best (even though I haven't read everything by you! lol) -
You're right on. I didn't see that and I should have..
Looks like I need to edit...
Pat -
excellent
Just as outstanding as the first time I read it. My one concern would be the apparent overuse of commas. For example:
Where lay the gallant Scottish dead,
In rows at Culloden Moor.
If you wrote it out as prose it would be:
Where lay the gallant Scottish dead in rows at Culloden Moor.
No need for the comma. This applies to much of this poem.
Excellent work.
John -
outstanding
Dear Pat, I have found it, I also have the voice over cookiezeal did and they are truly amazing, you and Patric had such a talent working together, it must have been wonderful working with him to create these beautiful words of pure art.
Thank you Pat for helping to keep his memory alive~Love~Joan
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Thank you Sam... always a pleasure to see you stop by..
Pat -
Excellent
Yes dear`Pat ... this is definately worthy of a promotion.
'Tis truly a timeless classic. I have heard the voice over and frankly it gave me chills. I was there ... really there.
"Can you hear them, can you see them, slowly marching 'cross the moor" ... In your poem I certainly can.
Thank you again, dear Pat
s
Sammy
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Thanks you for taking the time to read my work. I've read all of Diana's books and that was the bases of this piece...
Nice to meet another Gabaldon fan..
Pat -
great job - i've been reading the outlander series by diana gabaldon and i'm getting into scottish history....
i loved the language you use. -
Breathtaking - I have visited Culloden Moor on one of my family holidays when I was younger, and I can`t imagine the kind of scenes that went on there. I love the Scottish-ness of this piece - a real original feel and one that I am honoured to feel.
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You thought I'd like this?
You were WAY right! -
Incredible
This is magnificent. It has a very musical quality. If you know someone of musical talent, try setting it to music. It would probably be better than "Skye Boat Song". -
interesting write...i like the style ...well done..
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I've since obtained the voiceover for this poem from Cookie Zeal. It's wonderful, she did an excellent recording of this work. It made it even more haunting and enjoyable to hear the spoken words.
Dee
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This poem and the ensueing comments are a most interesting history lesson.
The poem itself is beautiful, as are all the collaborations between Pat and Patric.
I didn't get to hear the voice over but am looking forward to the possibility.
Having learned this morning of Patric's passing, I'm so saddened and my heart goes out to his son and also to you, Pat, I know how close you were.
Dee
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Beautifully moving piece.
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Absolutely Amazing need I say more...............
hugs and love
Karen/
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Wonderful
Thank you. As a medievalist and a Scotsman this is a wonderful historic read. Additionally it was very, very well written.
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So much has already been said I have few words to add other then I truely enjoyed this work.
I can't tell that this was written by two people it is so seamless.
Fantastic.
GW -
Interesting poem - and a good effort at trying to write using Scottish dialect. Didnt really hit the mark with me I'm afraid. I'd have prefered it all written in todays English or all in the Scots language of the times, the mix didnt work with me Im afraid.
It was indeed a watershed in Scottish history but what followed over the years immediately following the defeat of the Jacobites was nothing less than the genocide of the Celtic peoples of the West Highlands. -
I'm impressed laddie. Ye ken your countrys history. Thank you so much for comment you left. And Aye, I'm of clan Douglas myself.
Thank you,,,
Pat -
I just had to click on this when I saw it featured and I'm glad I did. My ancestors fought with the Stewarts of Appin at Culloden for Bonnie Price Charlie and I have visited the battlefield several times. I have to say it is one of the most emotive and sad places I have ever visited and there is a definite atmosphere and aura about the place that is truly haunting. I haven't checked your profile so I don't even know if you are Scottish (excuse my ignorance - I will check after I have posted this) but (to any other reader who is interested) the battle of Culloden and the ensuing heavy defeat of the highland clans under Bonnie Prince Charlie led to the end of the traditional highland clan system in Scotland.
After the battle the wearing of the tartan plaid was banned and several other restrictions imposed by the British government on the highlanders. Don't want to give a history lesson here but one of the real tragedies about the battle of Culloden is that one of the commanders in the Government forces actually faked a command issue from the Jacobites stating that "no quarter was to be given"
This basically meant that the Government troops were under the impression that, if the Jacobites had won, they would have shown no mercy to the Government wounded and any prisoners. Of course Cumberland won relatively quickly and the fact that his troops were under this impression resulted in the terrible savagery that occured after Bonnie Prince Charlie left the field. The wounded were bayoneted to death where they lay and many of the highlanders attempting to escape were pursued and slain.
Another popular myth regarding Culloden (and other Jacobite battles of this era) is that this was a fight between England and Scotland. Not so. England and Scotland had come under one soveriegn in 1707 and there were many Scots on the field that day in the British (Government)Army. That is another tragedy really. It was Scot against Scot in many cases on the day.
Anyway! Sorry for waxing lyrical about the history. Guess this poem inspired me to do that. It is a wonderful, emotive piece and its in my bookmarks.
The last two lines say it all..The battle of Culloden forever changed the course of Scottish (indeed British history) and represented the end of the traditional Scottish clan system. Scots are proud of their highland heritage and the kilt is worn with pride by Scots (and Scots descendants) all over the world.
Lets never forget..
"For the highlands ever hear the call,
Of the ghosts of Culloden Moor... "
Wonderful, wonderful work. - Alan
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I almost passed this one up and I am so glad that I did not. Well done. Would love to hear this in a thick highland accent. RjC
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don't touch it!
excellent is all I can saw it was wonderfully worded and totally sucked me into it. It’s simply wonderful! -
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AS lovely as it was the first time!!!!Had to read again!!!!! HUGS to you both again! Love you guys!~Laura -
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The addition of the audible voice is pure magic. Awesome isn't a word I use often but this is an exception. AWESOME - describes what you have acheived here - well done the 3 of you Von xx -
Oh my... Thank you all for your wonderful comments.ANd Cookie...Thank you for lending us your voice and talent. You add a whole new demension to our work...
(((HUGS))) to you all.. and mostly to Patrick for being my partner...
Pat -
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So very cool. It's around 1 A.M on Sunday, January 5th. And I hear the voice clip . Hah! I didn't expect it. So proud to be part of this whole collaboration. Thank you...!!! -
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wow that was exquisite! nice work kids! -
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Even with the silence of the screen, I am still in awe of this mighty epic of a poem. Iliad and Odyssey couldn't have been more effective!!#:o) God bless both of you. -
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omgs! I had to fight to get to this page so much (darned comp) but it was definately worth the fight. I'm adding this to my faves. This is a tremendous work! Just a gorgeous, hear wrentching write, I have tears in my eyes right now. Wow! Incredible. Bravo!!!!! -
don't touch it!
Ah, Pat ... sorry for the late arrival, but here I am: totally in awe! You and Patrick make the most superb collaborative couple. I enjoyed this poem tremendously - please do some more. Kindest regards to you both, Myra -
don't touch it!
you paint History in a light of beauty
my hat off to you both!
more? please?.... -
excellent
Lovely, lovely piece i'm really impressed...
Barbx
Did they have cannons at Culloden?, not too sure.
just pooped back to say i have read a little more about Culloden and it seems it was one of the worst cannon battles ever.. excuse my ignorance.
Barb xx
Edited by Barbara Davidson on right now because 'cos i had a history lesson'. -
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Once again, you don't seize to amaze me. This was excellent and you did such a great job. I would also like to hear the audiop version sometime. It would be excellent. *sigh* such great poetry.... *Jamie* -
excellent
Yeas... this was a great work! loved it! Weldone!
Love,
Sehrish~ -
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The highlands...this poem...the reading....superb. Thank you. Maria -
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this is amazing. by far the most beautiful thing i have ever read and the audio just adds spark to the fire. This is one hell of a collab. You two are a masterful team. Brilliant, breathtaking, i am speechless, which is hard to do to a blabber mouth like me, heh. LOOOOOOOOOOOOVED This~~~Amy~ -
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This is very beautiful, so much emotion and such a good story, i loved this, it was so well written, i liked the style, and i loved the recording, it added so much, this was very well done, keep it up
kayla* -
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Beautiful ever so again oh gee i could listen to this all night
Dunno what my son did i heard it then tried my self after he left and i got nothing again but i got to hear it ah like i said a while back
Simply superb
Love ya
Susan~~ -
excellent
beautiful.. and the audio was great.. bravo -
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such an incredible, stunning piece... wot a gr8 team u two make!!! well penned!!!
hugs,
xxx -
neutral
wow I really liked this poem. Such a refreshingly different perspective from what i am used to seeing around....'town'. Keep up the great poetry, and thanks for sharing!! -
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The story as two people are speaking -a grieving Mother seeking her son - the idea is brilliant. Enough words have been used above to describe this incedible story. Bravo to you both. I;m printing this up for some Scottish friends - Von -
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Brilliant, but at this point you hardly need me to tell you. -
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AN Interesting write and yet The battle of Cullodon was the signal to start the genocide of the Celtic people of the highlands from which they have not even yet recovered. Good poem tho' and it is difficult to write in Old Scots - -
don't touch it!
Now that is brilliant, i won't go into the whole English/Scottish thing but the imagery, feeling and verse found here is stunning.
Simon. -
don't touch it!
beautiful work you two
:)~~D -
neutral
OK , well I finally founfd the bottom of this one, andItell you this one really lit me up inside, I LOved it, this is so thoroughly romantic, sad that it is about the terrible thing Iso detest, 'war' but the people in it, the verbage, it was just incredible, I must IM ya, this would surely sound most awesome with a scottish voice behind it or Irish , wow,
awesome write,
sincerely,
joe -
excellent
Ooooh was this one fantastic read or what! Complete immersion. Please do continue into the realm of legend -
don't touch it!
Jeesh.....you two amaze me. In my self imposed ignorance, I have not heard of this battle. Your words gave it a home in my heart though.....
~Love, Janet~ -
Hi Susan.... I am forever amazed at the interest this has received. Cookie did a wonderful job on it... Patrick and I are so pleased...
Thanks for stopping by once again...
Hugs
Pat -
don't touch it!
I heard Cookie Zeal do the voice about a month ago and i was in
complete awe
Never had i heard anything so fabalous and wonderful
Coming back to read it tonight i read the poem outloud again
and was just in the most awe as i was the first time
Kudos to you and Patrick
and a standing ovation to Cookie Zeal
Pure Poetic Perfection
Fantastic,:)
You all come see me too
Blessings
Susan~~ -
excellent
Having recently driven right across the Highlands, from Brechin in the East to Skye in the west, I can identify with this. A great poem. Of course, if the story about Mary hamilton is true - that she was James 2's mistress and that the queen was not pregnant at all because she was barren, and the child born to the catholic queen was in fact Mary Hamilton,s, then the Old Pretender was a bastard and poor old Bonnie Prince Charlie a bastard's son. I love conspiracy theories. Still, I fell madly in love with Scotland and noth Yorkshire. Can't wait to go back. Chris. -
don't touch it!
This was as if it was written through you as well
as by you both. This kind of writing has a supernatural
quality, a time machine..making us there. I felt what was
to be felt..heard the voices. All that can be said was.
So I am left just to say,
Thank you for taking me here and there too.
Finest regards,
Rob -
don't touch it!
Hmm. I think the fact I had to scroll for about 5 minutes says enough about the poem, but why use enough when you can have more? (cause you're head gets too big, and ya go thru a lot of ggod hats that way.) It really touched my heart. -
don't touch it!
Oh, Pat and Patrick, this is an exceptional story-poem. Lovely, sad and haunting, with the true flavor of the era captured in its essence by dialogue and imagery. This is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you, Pat, for directing me this way. What a refreshing manner in which to begin my morning. And, yes, Patrick, I'm smiling! ;)Kelly -
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I'm still amazed at this. Each time I read. Each time I hear it. It was a very interesting culmination....rather divine in fact. In fact. repomen? Don't be mad at the fellow. Be glad. Critics come..and they go. And one must consider the SOURCE-for they've NO idea where this will be going. *sings*..' I get ideas....I get ideas...'..>>>>>>>
Blessings, CookieZeal/DB -
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Jacob, maybe you mis read it. twould be understandable considering that your head was probably up your ass at the time. I cant wait to see the wonders you produce given the boorish imbebicility of your comments. and you have proven it true that a man(?) can type with his head up his ass.heres for you Jake(_X_) a little portrait of yourself. what a maroon! -
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This is beautiful!!! -
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What value does this poem have beyond anyone familiar with European history? In all fairness I read more of your poems and I was not impressed in the least bit. BORING, BLAND, AND PLAIN!
Is it possible to be a talented writer without an ounce of originality? I think you've proven it true. -
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It was a little long, but still gorgeous. The ending of this was haunting. Really a beautiful work. -
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whew....what a fantastic poem...nearly brought tears to my eyes...and there is certainly a lump in my throat...just incredible writing here, thank you for sending me here to read it...*ss* -
don't touch it!
I have had the privilege of hearing Cookiezeal's recording.
At first it brought shivers ... then came the tears.
Cookiezeal has added another dimension to an already fantastic write.
This poem will rank among the classics, of that I am sure.
Sammy -
Thank you all for your wonderful comments.. I now have a copy of this poem recorded by cookiezeal... If you would like to hear this beautiful recording please contact me by im... (((HUGS)))
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excellent
And so the wind sall mourn the land
where the bonnie fighters fell.
syne the grass maun grow, an' overflow
till nocht remains tae tell
o' Charlie's waes, and his fearsome faes
the Butcher an' the King.
But the Prince's sang sall live as lang
as ye hae breath tae sing.
Moran taing,
Iain aka Morgan -
Ah.. Robbie Burns... One of my favorites...
Thank You Silica
:) -
don't touch it!
We’ll o’er the water, we’ll o’oer the sea,
We’ll o’oer the water to Charlie;
Come weal, come woe, we’ll gather and go,
And live or die wi’ Charlie.
R.Burns -
My thanks Swan for stopping by...
:)
Pat -
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ther is only one god and his name is prince cherly! an' rrrobert burrrns is his prophet! hehheh
it's sad the old pretender didn't stand a chance. Those poor lads who died were his pawns. It's no mystery why there are so many Scottish Americans! Thank you for the piece. it brought back memories of a tme when i was fascinated by the '45 rising. -
Wow! I am so thrilled by the response this received...
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excellent
very good story, epic write, thanks -
don't touch it!
Oh, goodness. This one needs to be inserted into the 19th Century ' Shadow Fallen' series. What is that??
Well...unless someone else has come up with something comparable, it is the part of a history -art series I have put together in a digest for the time of posting....one that comes back several centuries later layered with the spark of the current wisdoms. This one has it.
Nearly like a Shakespearean drama or an ancient Scottish rite, this one is a wonderful combination of a ballad-tinged theme which would be so appropriate for a recitation. Its quality gives something which can easily be adapted for a multi-lingual and international appeal.
Seldom do I see something worthy of a voice-over. I've done several, and JDL's 'A Ghost From The Past' is one of them. I'm up for this if you're willing.
Beautiful in theme, content and language!!! Bless you both... CookieZeal/DB -
I want to thank all of you for your wonderful comments. Patrick and I are thrilled by the response this has received...
Hugs to all....
Pat -
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si, -
Thank You Colleen....
:) -
don't touch it!
Awesome poem. I loved it!
~Colleen -
excellent
Thanks for your tri-lingual poem. It was brave of you to mix the Gaelic, broad Scots and English into the one ballad. You caught the feeling well, I like it. If I have any criticism, it is only that Culloden was the name of the house near the battlefield, which the English gave to the battle itself. The Scots still refer to it by the name of the moor, which was Drummossie. For reference, check out my poem The Clearances. Keep on writing, you're a positive pleasure to read.
Latha mhath.
Iain aka Morgan -
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This is fantastic you two.... excellent write, enjoyed it much !! -
neutral
I enjoyed this very much -
don't touch it!
A visual trip into yesteryear alive with the emotion as due from the ravages of the youth against the might of their powerfully enriched foe. A brilliant piece, majorly enhanced by the tongue of that day.Thank you -tj- -
don't touch it!
AWESOME write. It holds you all the way through. Great visual in the head.
DAMN!!!
Thank you for sharing this,. -
excellent
ah .. ghosts .. chilling my spine ..
you two did a fine job with this peice!
Fine story indeed!!
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