A rather wonderful email recently found its way to the Women for Independence NE Fife inbox. It contained an attachment, and a message explaining that the writer - who prefers to remain anonymous - had been hoping to create something which would contribute to the cause of independence, and which might strike a chord if put out in the public sphere. They have sent us three poems, which will be released on this blog over the next few days.
The following poem came to them, they said, when thinking about the recent re-emergence of Tony Blair. We are honoured and grateful that our correspondent chose us as an outlet for their poetic thoughts. The title, of course, refers to the 19th September 2014 - the day when Scotland will, we hope and dream and know, finally declare its democratic intention to become an independent nation.
The following poem came to them, they said, when thinking about the recent re-emergence of Tony Blair. We are honoured and grateful that our correspondent chose us as an outlet for their poetic thoughts. The title, of course, refers to the 19th September 2014 - the day when Scotland will, we hope and dream and know, finally declare its democratic intention to become an independent nation.
Nineteen Nine Fourteen
And when we all look back, we can perceive the simple fact that no fair mind on earth can fail to be
in just accord with …
that this sage nation took the only path that recognises everyone for family that they are.
Saving dignity.
Knowing the basic principles of peace are held in understanding that we all have equal rank
when seen in conscience.
So surely did we rally in this mode, maintaining all respect for woefully contemptuous tongues
beyond our release.
Now optimistic backing in their stead (as to all ventures starting out, in need of faith and heart),
redeems the cynic.
The fury that inevitably seethed, among those who could not conceive of change, or status quo,
served no good purpose.
It satiated some, who would exult in seeing mass disorder and the misery of all.
But insight prevailed -
by stepping back and seeing how this was, and cordial acceptance of deliberated views,
douce calm was retrieved.
And in this way we have made clear the point, which is that we do not condone war mongering,
in this haven we achieved.
If fear and trepidation still remain just look to what your inner wisdom tells you, when you think
of how life should be…
then see the opportunity well met – a cutting loose from distant land Lords who would not debate -
and view in that vein.
If worried of a bare naivety that risks inviting damning isolation to us all,
be certain of this -
we only grow through listening to our hearts, and we are infinitely blessed in having chosen not to heed foul threats of hellfire
and catastrophe.
With all now said and done, the way can be a rightful living, tendered on a manageable scale
in which we matter..
no more the fracturing of humankind through disregard for democratic voicing of the throng
and shameful hubris.
The hoard does not need saved, as some would have, but from indifference and greed which cannot follow here
to folk enlightened.
In time a fully independent state, industrious and caring for the earth and all its kind,
we will be well led
by choosing who is right, among the folk who demonstrate intent on listening to the country’s voice,
needs no sycophants,
and honours the duties bestowed on them; whose hope for us is not supremacy but earned respect
and full contentment.
And walking into this new life as one, in demonstrating kinship in this way we can embrace
our founding ethic,
a testimonial for all the land, by welcoming the world to work with us in honest ways
sharing of the fruit …
the future for our children now once more a buoyant hope, that they can have what matters from the start
as divinely planned.
And when we all look back, we can perceive the simple fact that no fair mind on earth can fail to be
in just accord with …
that this sage nation took the only path that recognises everyone for family that they are.
Saving dignity.
Knowing the basic principles of peace are held in understanding that we all have equal rank
when seen in conscience.
So surely did we rally in this mode, maintaining all respect for woefully contemptuous tongues
beyond our release.
Now optimistic backing in their stead (as to all ventures starting out, in need of faith and heart),
redeems the cynic.
The fury that inevitably seethed, among those who could not conceive of change, or status quo,
served no good purpose.
It satiated some, who would exult in seeing mass disorder and the misery of all.
But insight prevailed -
by stepping back and seeing how this was, and cordial acceptance of deliberated views,
douce calm was retrieved.
And in this way we have made clear the point, which is that we do not condone war mongering,
in this haven we achieved.
If fear and trepidation still remain just look to what your inner wisdom tells you, when you think
of how life should be…
then see the opportunity well met – a cutting loose from distant land Lords who would not debate -
and view in that vein.
If worried of a bare naivety that risks inviting damning isolation to us all,
be certain of this -
we only grow through listening to our hearts, and we are infinitely blessed in having chosen not to heed foul threats of hellfire
and catastrophe.
With all now said and done, the way can be a rightful living, tendered on a manageable scale
in which we matter..
no more the fracturing of humankind through disregard for democratic voicing of the throng
and shameful hubris.
The hoard does not need saved, as some would have, but from indifference and greed which cannot follow here
to folk enlightened.
In time a fully independent state, industrious and caring for the earth and all its kind,
we will be well led
by choosing who is right, among the folk who demonstrate intent on listening to the country’s voice,
needs no sycophants,
and honours the duties bestowed on them; whose hope for us is not supremacy but earned respect
and full contentment.
And walking into this new life as one, in demonstrating kinship in this way we can embrace
our founding ethic,
a testimonial for all the land, by welcoming the world to work with us in honest ways
sharing of the fruit …
the future for our children now once more a buoyant hope, that they can have what matters from the start
as divinely planned.
Anonymous, Fife
June 2014
June 2014