Epitaph
July 6, 2023Written at an Inn at Henley
July 6, 2023
Black Day
A skelp frae his teacher
For a’ he cudna spell:
A skelp frae his mither
For cowpin owre the kale.
A skelp frae his brither
For clourin his braw bat:
And a skelp frae his faither
For the Lord kens what.
William Soutar (1898-1943) was a Scottish poet and writer. He contracted polio as a child and was confined to a wheelchair for most of his life. Despite his physical limitations, Soutar wrote prolifically and published several collections of poetry and prose. His work often dealt with themes of love, nature, and the Scottish landscape. Some of his best-known works include "The Happy Warrior," "The Three Eyes," and "The Land of the Leal." Soutar's writing is characterized by its simple and direct language, and his ability to capture the beauty of everyday experiences.