Homecoming

Two hundred and fifty years near passed

Since Rabbie steered the plough !

I often wonder what he’d think

If he could see us now !!

In his day , life was simpler

Though much harder then to bear;

Compared wi’ us , life then was tough

Wi’ far mair pain to share !!

He had to work from dawn to dusk

Tae win his daily bread ;

We widna gladly change our lot

For his , it must be said !!

It’s doubtful if we’re happier

Than the folks o’ Rabbie’s day;

Despite our wealth and better health

It’s sadly true to say;

In  some ways, we’ve improved man’s lot

Let there be no dissension!

The cinema , TV , CD’s…

Just a few of man’s inventions ;

Yet some would say we’ve lost our way

Wi’ modern obsessions!

Perhaps there’s really more to life

Than collecting vain possessions !!

What Rabbie offers in his verse

Is a free , yet priceless treasure !

His is  a plan for every man ,

A gift beyond all measure !!

He reminds us of the beauty Mother Nature has bestowed ,

Our lochs and burns and raging streams

By the heathered mountain road .

He recalls our country’s history

How our liberty was won !

And his love songs warm the beating heart

Of every Scotsman’s son !!

He glorified the Common Man

Decrying pomp and pride!

Reminding Scotsmen , one and all

Of  real virtues that abide !

If he could see us as we are, he’d hang his head in shame !!

For the Scotland Rabbie lov’d so much ,

Has gone , in a’ but name!!

So we need a new Homecoming to the values of the past
So that Rabbie’s dream for Scotland

May bear the gree at last !!!

                                                     Bob Simpson

                                                       January 2009