Scots Poem of the Month - December 2008

This piece of creative writing was supplied by the Scottish Poetry Library who receive Foundation funding from the Scottish Arts Council

First Gemme Stair Park, a cal December eftirnin, Stranraer, at hame tae the micht of Forfar. A’m nae mair than echt years al, an clingin tae ma Granfether’s han, stampin the glar o mud an ash in an effort tae keep warm. ‘They’re a team o triers, son, a team o triers. Ye can ask nae mair’, his heed floatin on a sea o pipe smoke, his een gleamin as he took the gemme in. Stranraer won, twa nil. ‘First gemme, eh, ye’re ma lucky mascot.’ He bent doon, wrapped me in his scarf. ‘A wee vic’try, son, jist a wee vict’ry.’ He spoke slow, so that A could unnnerstan. Granda, A miss yer voice, A miss yer han. Derek Ross 100 Favourite Scottish Football Poems, edited by Alistair Findlay (Luath Press, 2007) Poem supplied courtesy of the Scottish Poetry Library

Note on the origins of the poem I have always been a keen football supporter and this is, obviously, is a memory of the first game my much loved grandfather took me to.  I wrote it in Scots as I somehow feel that it is easier and more truthfull to touch upon such personal and heartfelt emotions in your own natural tongue.  I thought I would have a go at the sonnet form after reading Edwin Morgan's "Sonnets from Scotland".

About the Poet   Derek Ross was born in Stranraer but moved to Dumfries in 1973 where he works as a Senior Biomedical Scientist in the Microbiology Laboratory of Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. His poems in Scots and English have appeared in various magazines and anthologies as well as the internet. 'First Gemme' also appeared in the Channel 4 program 'Haud yer Tongue'. He is also a keen photographer and, along with his good friend and fine poet Angus Macmillan, has put on three exhibitions of photos and poems including one at The Scottish Poetry Library.  He is a member of The British Haiku Society.