JAN: Robert Burns Mail

Robert Burns was a people's poet, a man who despite his personal flaws and contradictions, loved people and his country genuinely. He stood against the abuse of power, had a sense of humor that was delightfully ironic as well as raucous at times, and loved being in the outdoors as much as he was a terrible farmer. Like many great poets, he did love his wine, women, and song .... but he also was a tax collector.

What a breath of fresh air across the centuries!

My personal favorite is For a' that and a' that, or Is There For Honest Poverty, which is such a powerful anthem of humanity that it was sung at the first opening of the Scottish Parliament. Most folks know Burns as the author of Auld Lang Syne; although the kernel of the international New Year's anthem is older than Robert Burns, he was the guy to write it down in language that all of us can enjoy.

If there is something that you want to know about Robert Burns, it is probably located or linked to on this web site, but there is a rather more brief summary here, at the Scottish Poetry Library.

So, let's raise a glass (real or imagined) to a flawed and passionate man, and an amazing poet who used common language that has survived long enough to be relevant to us today. Make one item of mailable art (postcard, ATC, tag, decorated envelope, zine or minizine, artist faux postage stamp , or other form that you admire, collect or create) to celebrate any aspect of Robert Burns, his life, legacy, or poetry. Include a little note reflecting on Burns or the swap, and send it to one partner.

Open to any ZMACS member in good standing; I will be a good human being for a' that and angel any unsent swaps :)

Image is of Robert Burns by Iain McIntosh, sourced at the Scottish Poetry Library's Robert Burns page. Burns' 257th birthday anniversary will be January 25th.