Flodden Field 1514
(A tale about a town in June)

Children scamper on cobbled streets
wearing blue and yellow rosettes,
they are heading for the Backdamgate
to watch the horses saddled.

Parents follow looking proud
as drums and fifes play'Teribus,'
'they're coming, they're coming'
in the crowd now an excited buzz.

Hundreds of horses with riders appear
charge up the steep Loan to the Cheviots,
led by an honest and upright son
they now ride to protect the marches.

The Banner Blue and Yellow is held high
the Common Riding once more safe,
in the hands of Teri descendants
now they all in triumph shout...

'Up Wi Auld Hawick
Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah.'


Elizabeth Murray Shipley
(copyright owner 2005)

Published 2007 by Forward Press in
Scottish,Irish &Welsh Verses.

Published Forward Press Poets 2008 -
Wales,Northern Ireland & Scotland.

(To Minto Golf Club members past and new
and my husband James winner of medals and cup)

Find a hobby I told my man
get from under my feet,
of all the sports in the land
him and golf had to meet.

Now life is worse than ever
clubs, balls, bag and tees,
trudging out in all weather
getting value for his fees.

Library books and video tapes
advice from Faldo or Gary Player,
pointing out the errors he makes
no one can say,'he's not a stayer.'

Bedraggled he walks through
the door lugging all his gear behind,
his voice booms out the word 'FORE'
I think 'He's mad' in my mind.

How I wish I had never spoke
I pushed him early to retire,
now I miss him smoking his pipe
and us relaxing by the fire.


Elizabeth Murray Shipley
(copyright owner 1994)

Published 1995 by Anchor Press in
Poets From Scotland.