Skip to content
1874–1936

SCOTLAND

Harry Graham

In Scotland all the people wear Red hair and freckles, and one sees The men in women's dresses there, With stout, decollete, low-necked knees.

(‘ Eblins ye dinna ken, I doot, We're unco guid, so hoot, mon, hoot!’ ) They love‘ ta whuskey’ and‘ ta Kirk’; I do n't know which they like the most.

They are n't the least afraid of work; No sense of humour can they boast; And you require an axe to coax The canny Scot to see your jokes.

They play an instrument they call The bagpipes; and the sound of these Is reminiscent of the squall Of infant pigs attacked by bees;

Music that might drive cats away Or make reluctant chickens lay. Wear kilts, and, tho’ men look askance, Go out and give your knees a chance.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
SCOTLAND · Harry Graham · Poetry Cove