Uncle Bob's Birthday

Robert Burns, widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, turns 250 this year. Also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's Favorite Son, or simply The Bard, Robert Burns is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement and after his death, became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism.

A cultural icon in Scotland, Burns is also celebrated by the Scottish diaspora around the world. Dunedin (Scottish Gaelic for Edinburgh) was founded by Scottish settlers, including the nephew of Robert Burns, and continues to maintain a strong Scottish heritage. A bronze statue of Burns, usually topped with seagulls, sits in the city's central Octagon. This week, Dunedin celebrates Burns' birthday with song, dance, poetry readings, and even a haggis feast. Oh boy, sheep heart, liver and lungs boiled in sheep stomach!

Perhaps Burns' most well known poem/song is Auld Lang Syne, which is sung during New Years Eve celebrations (you know, that song no one seems to know the words to). Another famous poem/song is A Red, Red Rose, which has always been a favorite of mine. Here are the lyrics:

My love is like a red red rose That’s newly sprung in June; My love is like the melodie That’s sweetly play’d in tune.

So fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in love am I; And I will love thee still, my dear, Till a’ the seas gang dry.

Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear, And the rocks melt wi’ the sun: And I will love thee still, my dear, While the sands o’ life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only love And fare thee weel, a while! And I will come again, my love, Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

So put on that kilt, pull up those socks, break out the bagpipes, and toast Uncle Bob's birthday with a wee dram of whiskey! Slainte!