A poem for the morning after

It is a poem about reconciliation – and some might say its release has come not a moment too soon.

Edinburgh's Poet Laureate Christine De Luca.
Edinburgh’s Poet Laureate Christine De Luca.

Edinburgh’s Poet Laureate, Shetland-born Christine De Luca, has penned her latest work about the referendum debate.

Specifically, The Morning After is about exactly that – the dawn of a new day when Scotland wakes up to its future.

Mrs De Luca, who was named the capital’s “Makar” earlier this year, said she hoped the poem would bring people closer together at the end of an often divisive debate. But she said it was typical of Scots to be passionate about the subject.

“I hope it helps people just be more gracious to each other. The world is watching, and if we want to be a mature democracy, of whatever kind, we need to embrace the result and get on with it.

“It’s bound to raise heckles, and bound to raise the blood pressure. It’s very, very important – and if people didn’t get excited about it, that would be a shame. I suppose Scots are quite emotional, and quite passionate people.”

The third of a family of four, Mrs De Luca’s father, Sandy Pearson, hailed from Lunnasting while her mother, Jemima Halcrow, from Cunninsgburgh.

 

 

The morning after: Scotland, 19th September 2014

Let none wake despondent: one way
or another we have talked plainly,
tested ourselves, weighed up the sum
of our knowing, ta’en tent o scholars,
checked the balance sheet of risk and
fearlessness, of wisdom and of folly.

Was it about the powers we gain or how
we use them? We aim for more equality;
and for tomorrow to be more peaceful
than today; for fairness, opportunity,
the common weal; a hand stretched out
in ready hospitality.

It’s those unseen things that bind us,
not flag or battle-weary turf or tartan.
There are dragons to slay whatever happens:
poverty, false pride, snobbery, sectarian
schisms still hovering. But there’s
nothing broken that’s not repairable.

We’re a citizenry of bonnie fighters,
a gathered folk; a culture that imparts,
inspires, demands a rare devotion,
no back-tracking; that each should work
and play our several parts to bring about
the best in Scotland, an open heart.

 

COMMENTS(9)

Add Your Comment
  • Harry Dent

    • September 19th, 2014 12:23

    Sentimental tripe.

    REPLY
    • joe johnson

      • September 19th, 2014 14:07

      Harry dent there was no need for that comment. Show some respect

      REPLY
      • Robin Barclay

        • September 19th, 2014 22:23

        Couldn’t agree more.

      • John Tulloch

        • September 20th, 2014 9:39

        Joe/Robin,

        I agree with you, however, we have bigger fish to fry than Yes campaigners “sucking sour grapes”.

        The SIC is back closing schools, again.

      • Harry Dent

        • September 20th, 2014 11:04

        In my opinion, this is a dreadful poem, devoid of literary merit.

        You’re entitled to a contrary opinion, but neither opinion has anything to do with “respect”

        If poets can’t take criticism, they shouldn’t publish.

    • Henry Condy

      • October 18th, 2014 15:25

      Take it ,poetry is not your scene

      REPLY
    • Henry Condy

      • October 18th, 2014 15:30

      I try to write poetry
      To Paint
      To let my inner soul fly free
      To muse, be jocular, full of wit
      Alas my endeavours usually
      Turn out as ,can’t think
      Of a rhyming word

      REPLY
  • Andrew Magnie Thomson

    • September 21st, 2014 14:27

    Lovely poem this Yes moaners will get a chance to vote for a political vote in May.

    REPLY
  • jeffery crowe

    • September 21st, 2014 15:21

    welcome back from the brink!

    REPLY

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.