THIS little celestial fantasy by Hugh MacDiarmid is one of his most popular poems.
It also serves as a reminder that there is just one week left to submit entries to the McCash Scots Poetry Competition, run jointly by The Herald and Glasgow University. Up to three original poems in Scots, of no more than 30 lines each, may be sent to me at The Herald, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, or emailed - in the body of the text, not as an attachment - to lesley.duncan@heraldandtimes.co.uk. Meanwhile, here is MacDiarmid at his most engaging.
THE BONNIE BROUKIT BAIRN
Mars is braw in crammasy,
Venus in a green silk goun,
The auld mune shak's her gowden feathers,
Their starry talk's a wheen o' blethers,
Nane for thee a thochtie sparin',
Earth, thou bonnie broukit bairn!
- But greet, an' in your tears ye'll droun
The haill clanjamfrie!
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