Talented Tuesday: In Honor of the Talented Rabbie Burns, 1759-1796

This past November, I met a 2^nd cousin,1x removed, who told me that our Great-great grandmother Mary Burns (McPherson) was a cousin of Scotland''s bard, Robert Burns. She reverently unwrapped a small book, more like a pamphlet, of Rabbie's poems to share with me. The little book had been in her family since the time of her great grandmother, and possibly belonged to our great-great-grandmother. The occasion for this small book was a celebration of his birthday --- and in the mid 1800s, the Scots of Scotch Lane in the village of Springdale, Wisconsin, took their Highland roots to heart. Since that November day, I have poked and prodded my computer, a lookin' for connections in the heather that might span time and ocean and prove that this Scots heart of mine beats in family tune with that of our dear Rabbie Burns. 

Alas so close it might be, but sorely no proof – yet.  And this wee poem shows no poet-proof for me.

“Cousin” Rabbie

t'is a new year 'n month of January

the time mi thoughts turn to Rabbie

y'know, mi bard, young Rabbie Burns

castin' sweet looks 'n words on a lassie

nights still long n' by flickering l'ght

a book of Rabbie's poems I hold

more close to mi heart as I am told

Rabbie's a cousin - tho generations b'ck

hi' words beck'n t'mi many a year

“wee sleekit, cowerin,' timorous beastie”

“O my luve is like a red, red rose”

long been music to m' ear

so I now be cousin-like

wear'n mi plaid, 'n drink'n a pint

wi' all list'n to yer words

dream'n of heather 'n thistle down

                                                               JGH