Scots poem of the month - October 2005

Fergusson's Statue Ye're stridin doon the Canongate, brent new and lookin like ye've never been awa, were never found curled deid upon the straw in Bedlam's cells; ye're twenty-fower and fou - no claret-fou, but o yersel and life, rat-rhymes and habbies rattlin through yer heid, a book in haun, and hunners mair tae read - the warld is yours, at least faur as Fife. Ye'd ken and yet ye widna ken yer toun: some gains ye'd praise, some losses ye'd lament - sae muckle change, sae muckle aye the same. Auld Reikie's still as braw beneath the moon, and noo we even hae oor Parliament, come hame like you, Rob Fergusson, come hame. By James Robertson Poem supplied by the Scottish Poetry Library

About the poet James Robertson was born in Kent in 1958 and has lived in Scotland since he was six. A poet, editor and novelist, he has published many books, including two collections of short stories and two novels, The Fanatic (2000) and Joseph Knight (2003) which was awarded both the Saltire Book of the Year and the Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year awards for 2003/04. He is general editor of Itchy Coo, the Scots language imprint for schools and young people and his poetry has appeared in many magazines, in a book-length collection, Sound-Shadow (B&W Publishing, 1995) and in various pamphlets. In November 2004, James spent three days as the first writer-in-residence at the Scottish Parliament. Voyage of Intent, a collection of poems and essays resulting from his experience there, was published in 2005 (Scottish Book Trust/Luath Press). James runs the pamphlet imprint Kettillonia and lives in Newtyle, Angus.

If you have enjoyed this poem, you can borrow a range of poetry from the Scottish Poetry Library, who also lend by post. Telephone 0131 557 2876 or email reception@spl.org.uk for more information. For an online catalogue, poetry events listings and more featured poems, please visit the Scottish Poetry Library website.