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The Nature of Burns

from Common Ground by Neil Thomson

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about

An interesting and inspiring Gerry Cambridge poem from his book ‘Nothing But Heather!’, which features his own nature photographs, and poems written when Gerry was living in Hugh MacDiarmid’s former home, Brownsbank Cottage, near Biggar.
Candy Burn flows below the cottage at Candymill.

I was immediately drawn to this poem and felt compelled to
put it to music.

As the only living poet on the album, fortunately Gerry likes it!

lyrics

THE NATURE OF BURNS words: cambridge music: thomson

IT’S NOT THE RIVERS BUT THE BURNS—
THEIR UNEXPECTED DIPS AND TURNS
LIKE A POET’S VERSE INSPIRED —
I LIKE THE MOST, CHUCKLING ALIVE
NOT GRAVID; SHALLOW, MAINLY, AND
HAPPY WITH IT,
CLEAN ON THEIR GRAVEL BEDS, TOO QUICK
TO SUFFER THE REFLECTION OF A STAR.
EACH WITH THE HAPPENSTANCE OF LYRIC,
LIKE THE BURN AT CANDYMILL
PUNCTUATED BY DIPPERS,
THAT’S NEVER STILL
EXCEPT IN DROUGHT,
LOVELY LIQUID SYLLABLES
WEAVING THEIR SENTENCE OF LIFE AROUND THE HILL;
MUSIC
STARTLING ME INTO THIS WORLD FROM MY HEAD, OUT
UNDER THE STARRY GOSSIPS.
OR THIS BURN AT STRONCHULLIN
IN ARGYLL, DAY AND NIGHT
ITS FLOW OF LIGHT AND DARK
THROUGH THE GLEN OF LICHENS AND EMERALD MOSSES.
IT’S NOT THE RIVERS BUT THE BURNS ...
WHERE THE SWEETEST WATER RUNS.
WHERE THE SPAWNING SALMON GO.

credits

from Common Ground, released May 3, 2016

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all rights reserved

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about

Neil Thomson image

Neil Thomson Crieff, UK

Neil's writing is mainly but not solely inspired by his native Scotland. It's roots, people, tradition and natural environment
provide inspiration for creating music in his own relaxed, gentle style.

He enjoys setting his music to traditional poems sung in Old Scots and in particular the poetry of Gerry Cambridge. ... more

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