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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DmOnAbkYfA

Burnt Doun (by Norman Ball)

Oh nae mair leaves need seegnifee a tree
'cept widden words tae fall frae me.
Mah makary* will nou suffice.
Sae see yese woud play roun' real nice.

Frae birk tae elm tae sprush tae pine
I've sned** the firth*** doun tae ane**** line.
Nou sycophant, nae sycamore,
mopes roun' aboot the firth's deid floor.
That greenhoose gas can bleeze in hell.
Tis rotten science, fir's as I can tell.


* poetry
** pruned, cleared
*** forest
**** one

Copyright 2009, Norman Ball

Awa' wi ye Norman, yer nae a Scoh-hee!

I very much enjoyed Burnt Doun.

Also found your recent sonnets – contemporary subject set in old-style form – sleek and witty.

I often imagine you a real-life friend Imaginary. Therein lies the familiarizing power of the Internet!

I was born in Glasgow, raised mostly in the US. Yes, sleek sonnets. Or as the Scots might say, rather sleekit.

take care
norm