Helen B Cruickshank (1886-1975) wrote pithily in Scots and English.

Here are two of her short and darkly humorous poems in her native tongue – a reminder, if such is needed, that the Scots language lends itself to wit and wisdom.

SAE LANG HAS SORROW

Sae lang has Sorrow tenanted

The hoose o’ Life wi’ me,

An saut-like seasoned ilka meal

Wi’ sharpened ecstasie,

That gin she cam’ tae say Fareweel,

An’ Joy hersel’ cam’ ben,

I doobt I wadna’ welcome her,

The bonny smilin’ quean.

~

And at the lanely hinderend

Gin I sud tak the road

Tae regions yont the yett o’ Daith,

A sorrowless abode,

I doobt I wadna feel at hame

Sans sorrow an’ sans sin,

But fleein’ frae the wersh-like place

I’d tirl anither pin.

THE WISHIN’ WELL

A lass cam’ sabbin’

Tae my brink,

Tae dip her hand

An’ wishin,’ drink.

‘O, water, water,

Gi’e tae me

This wish I wish,

Or else I dee!’

~

Back cam’ the lass

Years efter-hand,

An’ peered again

At my dancin’ sand.

‘I mind,’ she said

‘O’ drinkin’ here,

But – Losh keep me,

What did I spear?’