Tae a Virus

The poem (below) comes to us from one of our Scottish authors who got it from a friend in New Zealand. Like the virus, these things travel quickly around the planet.  It is based on the work of Robert Burns. We hope the Scots dialect was not too challenging.

If anyone knows the author, please let us know so we can request permission and give credit where it’s due.

UPDATE 4:47 PM EDT, Monday, March 23 2020: Thanks to the Author for reaching out! “Tae a Virus” was penned by: Willie Sinclair, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, March 2020

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Twa months ago, we didna ken,
yer name or ocht aboot ye
But lots of things have changed since then,
I really must salute ye

Yer spreading rate is quite intense,
yer feeding like a gannet
Disruption caused, is so immense,
ye’ve shaken oor wee planet.

Corona used tae be a beer,
they garnished it wae limes
But noo it’s filled us awe wae fear
These days, are scary times.

Nae shakin hawns, or peckin lips,
it’s whit they awe advise
But scrub them weel, richt tae the tips,
that’s how we’ll awe survive

Just stay inside , the hoose, ye bide

Nae sneakin oot for strolls

Just check the lavvy every hoor

And stock-take, your, loo rolls

Our holidays have been pit aff
Noo that’s the Jet2 patter
Pit oan yer thermals, have a laugh
And paddle ‘ doon the waater ‘

Canary isles, no for a while
Nae need for suntan cream
And awe because o this wee bug
We ken tae be..19

The boredom surely will set in,
But have a read, or doodle
Or plan yer menu for the month
Wi 95 pot noodles.

When these run oot, just look aboot
A change, it would be nice
We’ve beans and pasta By the ton
and twenty stane o rice.

So dinny think yell wipe us oot
Aye true, a few have died
Bubonic, bird flu, and TB
They came, they left, they tried

Ye might be gallus noo ma freen

As ye jump fae cup tae cup

But when we get oor vaccine made

Yer number will be up!!

Willie Sinclair
Kilwinning, Ayrshire
March 2020