Robbie Burns Day

As I was all caught up in the excitement of Deus Caritas Est being published today I received an e-mail from my mom this morning reminding me of another reason why today is a special day.

In the words of my mom:

"Happy Robert Burns day! I know, he was more a philanderer than a saint, may he rest in peace. Even if porridge, haggis, oat cakes, tartans, heather and bagpipes don't feature in your day, hopefully you can take a moment to reflect on heritage, beauty and poetry."

And so, in honour of Robbie Burns and my Scottish roots, I will share with you my favourite poem by the man. This is a poem my father used to sing to me when I was growing up.

A Red, Red Rose
by Robert Burns

My love is like a red, red rose

That’s newly sprung in June :

My love is like the melody

That’s sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,

So deep in love am I :

And I will love thee still, my dear,

Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,

And the rocks melt wi’ the sun :

And I will love thee still, my dear,

While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only love,

And fare thee weel a while !

And I will come again, my love,

Thou’ it were ten thousand mile.