The Sound of the Pipes

Reflections on my heritage

To hear the bagpipes
To hear each reed resonating with such a tone;
            a tone of history
            a tone of tradition

To feel the drums
To feel the rhythmic beat deep in your brain;
            deeper than from where thoughts emanate
            deeper than from where dreams escape

I can feel the kilt brush against the hair on my leg
I can feel the scotch whisky burn a course down my throat

To hear the bagpipes;
            My pulse quickens
            My backbone stiffens
            I stand more firmly in all my convictions

Ah, to hear the bagpipes
Ah, to be a Scotsman