The Twa Poets

A meeting of poetic minds!

The Twa Poets

I oft think back to far off times

O’ diverse ways and different climes

When germs of a' type reigned systemic

But now we're subject tae pandemic

Oor problem is we're noo o'er mony

I fear oor fate's no lookin bonny!

 

The Scots poet Robert Fergusson

An inspiration for Robert Burns

Born in Edinburgh 1750

Died in ‘Bedlam’ (an asylum) in 1774

 

 

 

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

Much pleasure in reading this and relishing its sounds and reconstructing its meaning as the reader is not well versed in Scotspeak. That aside, Roberty Burns being one of the topshelf favourites, having the aid of both the original and 'translated' commentaries to help those that miss out on their poems pure state. Thank you for sharing.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks for your kind words Frederick and for taking the trouble to decipher the Scots tongue.
Take care,
Alan

[Red Brick Keshner]

All the pleasure was mine, Alan (being a bit selfish, here, lol) But Burns and Brigadoon (not a very Scottish rendition, I now realise) and Bruce and William Wallace all mixed up and drew me in to the broad and depth of Scottish lore from childhood. One of my dearest friend even took a genealogical journey to seek out his Clan tartan, and found it. Thanks for keeping Alba alive. Frederick.

[Lisasview]

As an American I of course had to read your fascinating words a few times and look up the meaning of some.
I did enjoy the flow...The words and sounds they made floated off the page and into my ears.
Thank you for sharing,
Lisa, now in Spain

[Gee]

Just read this sgain, still has me smiling and thinking about the in laws in Ayrshire
and my trips up to Ibrox in the 90's when the Gers were spending the money they didn't have :)
Hope you are keeping well.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks Gee. This was a bit of fun when I saw the statue but with a wee moral as well.
All the best,
Alan

[M. J. Smith]

I thought I detected Burns i' the title! Not familiar with Ferguson however. Well, a drifter's education is necessarily somewhat lacking. Especially when my schools were... Indifferent? They taught only as much as they were bound to by law. And that was done half-heartedly. Well done, my friend. Well done.

[alanwgraham]

Thanks for your kind words M. I couldn't resist this photo when I saw the statue and the poem followed.
All the best,
Alan

[Rick Puetter]

I greatly enjoyed this write. Simple. Direct. Good one.

[alanwgraham]

Ta Rick. I greatly appreciate your review, simple, direct. I know!

[Neville]

There may well be a very thin line somewhere Alan but believe me .. you got a foot planted firmly where it matters the most ... and I would stand by your side through both thick n thin ... and truly :)

[alanwgraham]

That walk with the statue was just fun but it stimulated me to read one of his poems and I wasn't surprised that he was one of Burns inspirations. There is perhaps too much mutual admiration in this place Neville but it does keep us going. Doesn't apply to us of course!I
Thanks once again.
Alan

[Neville]

darn write mate .... write on and go safely :)

[barleygirl]

I love your photo. Got totally derailed from your message, looking at that photo. I often ponder the path of the pathogen, as your poem seems to do. Thinking about growing up in rustic places during backwards times, I remember my dad telling of his dad butchering an animal with some health issue he wasn't aware of & the old man almost died when he contracted the scourge thru cuts on his hands. I wonder how to compare what other generations faced, in terms of germs -- is it the high concentration of people all over the world or is it mass communication that makes us more aware of the prevalence & dangers? Your poem is thought-provoking & open-ended, which is fun to read & ponder (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[alanwgraham]

Thanks once again Margie.
I couldn't resist this nonsense with the statue and thankfully something worthwhile came out of it. I must say I am gradually educating you in the Scottish tongue and you are nae complaining o'er much the noo!
Cheers,
Alan

[barleygirl]

You're right! I barely pause at your weird words & your rhyming is top-notch!

[Betty Hermelee]

I love you brogue, but takes me time to read it; but it's like music to my ears! I believe what your'e saying here is that when you look back, far away there have been many plagues, bu now it is called pandemic; many of us have survived other plagues, but the outlook for this one is "not looking bonny" and I think you're correct; looks like it will be around (in USA ) for some time. We we survive it? who knows!
Very fondly, Betty

[alanwgraham]

Many thanks Betty. I couldn't resist having the photo taken with the status but was quite shocked to find us died at 24 in an asylum. I was really thinking that this pandemic with its origin seeming to be our increasing destruction of nature is a forewarning of climate change. On that cheery note, hope you are well.
All the best,
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

I agree with you thoughts!! Best always, Betty

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

I am ignorant of Fergusson I must admit, but will remedy that asap. What a great and humorous picture you grace us with! Love the authentic, colloquial style of language- can hear the brogue loud and clear. You are right, plagues have historically come and gone, but the human race is still alive and kicking- for better or for worse. I think the common sense and compassion have dwindled though. "I fear oor fate's no lookin bonny!" -Agreed but still hoping....

[Gee]

Who is the younger :))
Enjoyed the lingo Alan, and poem obviously

[alanwgraham]

Your question I will not answer! Thanks Gee. I couldn't resist a bit of fun. It was our first visit away from home so very enjoyable. I hope you are navigating this minefield safely yourself.
Alan