Poem of the Month

It is interesting to note that road repair was an issue in Robert Burns's time and even pot holes was not too small a subject for a poem.

Epigram on Rough Roads Robert Burns Attributed by Scott Douglas to Burns and dated October 1786. The roads in question are said to have been those between Kilmarnock and Stewarton. Kinsley, however, considers it more likely to date from the Highland tour; the reference to `this people` implies residents of a district outside Burns's native Ayrshire. I`m now arrived -- Thanks to the gods! Thro pathways rough and muddy, A certain sigh that makin roads Is no this people's study: Altho I`m not wi Scripture cram'd, I`m sure the Bible says That heedless sinners shall be damn`d, Unless they mend their ways.

--Diane Osborne, February 2000