The Byre on a Friday – Circa 1953 – Exile
I suppose it must have been the war, That drove the men tae drink, And women into places , Other than the kitchen sink, At least there was consistency, The war aye got the blame, When things got lost, like nerves or hair, Or faithers frae their hame, If life was tough in Stanley, It […]
The Boat o’Burnmou’ – Campsie Linn
Here I lie baith high and dry An’ sune will be forgot: Here I wait to learn my fate, A helpless broken boat. I’m still in hope, and this I’ll say Ye Stanley folks tak’ note: It’s drawing near election day, When ye for the Council vote. I’ve done guid service in my time, Which […]
The Bakers Tale – Exile
Now Jimmy Smith, a local baker, was a kindly man wae’ purple cheeks, The smell o’ bread an’ cakes an’ pastry escaped his bakehouse in Charlotte Street, This genial baker o’ some repute, was epitomised by his size, His obvious rotundity,( bordering obesity), a consequence of his mutton pies, His sense o’ equilibrium, when you’d […]
The Auld Kirk Steeple – James Ferguson (Nisbet Noble)
Ae efternn as I chanced tae stray Doon the brae tae see the Tay Passing by the auld Brae Well The auld kirk hammer struck its bell Windering wha the time would be I looked at my watch twas ten past three That clocks gaen daft I said to masel When the clock replied your […]
The Auld Brae Well – James Ferguson (Nisbet Noble)
We a’ hae fond remembrances That stir the heart for aye And O! what memories gather round The wee well on the brae. The loved, the lost, the wandered far We still can feel their spell As they played as bonny bairnies Roon the Auld Brae Well. The trees that rustle ower our heids The […]
The Auchtergaven Bodysnatchers – Exile
There was a sleet in the cauld wind we decided to brave As we trudged up the hill to find Wee Smeekies grave The lush grass was sodden, it was muddy underfoot, As we stopped to draw breath whilst surveying Bankfoot This historic village cemetery was kept sae neat and tidy Was whaur Smeekie had […]
Tam the Chancer – Anon
Now wha this tale o’ truth shall read Ilk man and mother’s son tak heed Whene’er to drink ye are inclined Ye’d better leave your car behind Or if ye’ve given in to booze Ye’d better mind your P’s and Q’s. This truth found honest Tam McClyve As hame frae market he did drive His […]
Stanley Parish Steeple – James Ferguson (Nisbet Noble)
A Poetic History Review (1) Upon the Steeple’s top we stand And gaze with musing eyes around us. Here in the heart of our dear land The Spirit of the Past has found us. Historic scenes on every side Are whispering of Scotland’s glory; We feel our beings fill with pride As reading o’er her […]
Stanley Gala Day – Anon
This is the tale of bold Joe Smith Who couldna’ stand the pace He finished up the last o’ a’ In the married man’s flat race But Joe was no discouraged He’d be in wi’ a shout So he challenged Jackie Williamson Tae an airm wrestling bout The teeth cam’ oot, Jack clenched his gums […]
Stanley 1879 – Will Harrow
A poem dated the 2nd August 1879 written by Will Harrow, The Village Poet (thanks to Connie Adamson for this) Sirs, this has been an awfu’ summer A soor an’ sulky sunless summer The earth wi’ rain is fair confoondit If this hauds on we’ll a’ be droondit Fine weather this for snails and slugs […]