Author Archives: literarylee

About literarylee

I sling words for a living. Always have, always will. Some have been interesting and fun; most not. These days, I write the fun words early in the morning before the adults are up and make me eat my Cream of Wheat.

Is There for Honest Poverty (For A’ That and A’ That)

Posted on January 25, 2011 by literarylee

Robert Burns Is there for honest Poverty That hings his head, an’ a’ that; The coward slave-we pass him by, We dare be poor for a’ that! For a’ that, an’ a’ that, Our toils obscure an’ a’ that, The … Continue reading →

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In the moment/ In the aftermath

Posted on January 24, 2011 by literarylee

One of the nicest things about a Literary Event (LE) is the aftermath.  I love the sense of satisfaction after completing a big project.  When you’ve got a group of people (humans have this tendency to do whatever they feel like … Continue reading →

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Burns Bash: Boffo!

Posted on January 24, 2011 by literarylee

How can it be that twelve people can so enjoy a meal celebrating the life and work of a Scottish poet who died 214 years ago?  So unexpected, but once again, we did.  Conversation was lively.  The food was delicious.    We … Continue reading →

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Turnips, Leeks, Lady Fingers (So Obvious!)

Posted on January 22, 2011 by literarylee

I can’t believe nobody said anything.  No one at the grocery who saw me buying three pounds of turnips and a couple pounds of leeks (there were a few other shoppers, plus a store employee nearby) said a word.  O.K., … Continue reading →

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To a Mouse

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

Robert Burns Wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie, O, what a panic’s in thy breastie! Thou need na start awa sae hasty, Wi’ bickering brattle! I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee, Wi’ murd’ring pattle! I’m truly sorry man’s … Continue reading →

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Bill o’ Fare

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

On the one hand, you don’t need a menu/program at a Burns Supper with just a few friends in your home. On the other hand, why not?  Attendees will have a tangible memento of the evening (to jar the many … Continue reading →

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Immortal Memory 5: Conclusion

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

Let’s briefly visit two more poems. One is the last two verses of To a Louse.  In the poem, Burns is sitting in church behind a well-dressed young lady when all of a sudden he sees a single louse clambering … Continue reading →

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Immortal Memory 4: The Holy Fair

Posted on January 21, 2011 by literarylee

Only a few times a year, a parish in Scotland would hold a several day communion service.  Burns immortalizes such an event in The Holy Fair.  It’s too long to read the whole thing, but I’ll share a few verses … Continue reading →

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I could have done an offal thing in Jerusalem

Posted on January 20, 2011 by literarylee

From 2004 to 2007 my work took me and my family to live in Jerusalem, a mysterious, intoxicating, fascinating, place.  One thing I didn’t do there I now realize I could have done probably easier than anywhere else I’ve lived, … Continue reading →

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Address to a Haggis

Posted on January 20, 2011 by literarylee

Robert Burns (This poem is recited to the haggis after it has been brought to the head table of the Burns Supper in a noble procession including a piper, someone carrying the “groaning trencher” laden with the haggis, and others carrying bottles … Continue reading →

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