To the Almond

by Neil Chappy Chapman
(Edinburgh)

Otter at play

A wee poem I penned about the river almond that runs through the west lothian till it's end in the forth at cramond Edinburgh.

The wonderfull Almond.

To get some peace fae auld reekies pollution,
I stumbled apon the perfect soloution.

A daunder up beat one, two or three,
it's really quite amazing the wildlife you see.
The floure's of the forrest,
tae the reek of the plants,
that albino fox who made a mess of my pants.

We have some herons and wee bats too,
and pretty kingfishers with their electric blue,
look out for the otters when they're oot to play,
cause thats when the broonies try and stay away.

Fae the wall pool stalkers to the keen dog walkers,
or scaling those stairs that make ma legs sair,
stop at peggies mill for a quick wee peek,
is this where the fishes play hide and seek.

Up to the brig and time for some chat
A spannish lad casting annoying yon bat,
final stroll towards grotto for me.
Cannae see me making it up to beat three.

So another great day on our wonderful river
and it's something I hope we can enjoy forever,

So if walking yer dug or riding a bike
casting a flee or taking a hike,
spinning a mepps or a flying C,
the future is bright for us all to see.

I only have one thing furthermore
look after the almond we ALL ADORE!!!!