BIRTHDAY PIPES AND DRUMS
Thank you Aubigny sur Nere

Shouldered high their pipes lay calm,
Reeds paused... awaiting their call,
Piper, drummer, breath now baited,
Awaiting the command to befall.

Fingers rest on the melodic chanter,
Foot tapping, for a beat to all,
Skirling up as an Auld Alliance,
Highland dress... Standing tall.

Never has my soul been aroused,
Served harmonics graced with gold,
Gripping those who’s blood is stirring,
Pumping sinews, forging bold.

Then a tender heart felt tune,
Reflecting thoughts, those gone before,
Tugging heart strings... hard to bear,
Many musters, befell their score.

With great thanks for that August night,
To ours and from foreign shores,
Should the Auld Alliance be ner forgotten,
As fond memories! Friends restored.

 

Poet: Peter M McCulloch
Peachdales
Haddington EH41 3NX