Colours & Verses
Georgian Squares in Edinburgh & a Poetry Garden in the City of Literature.A Square with Vibrant Colours & Verses …
Colours & Verses
*The Grandeur of St Andrew Square & The designated Poetry Garden * UNESCO city of literature *
St Andrew Square was built in 1770 and is part of the New Town design.The centrepiece of the Garden is the fluted column of the Melville Monument,commemorating Henry Dundas,1st Viscount Melville,a politician described as the uncrowned king of Scotland.
Its construction has a literary link as the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson,the world-famous author and poet, was a lighthouse engineer,and he was consulted about the foundations for the 150ft monument when it was built in 1823.
In the 1780’s, during the Scottish Enlightenment period,St Andrew Square was free from the inconveniencies of the old city and was the most fashionable address in the New Town.
On 4th April 2008,the Garden with the wonderful pool and the pathways around,opened to the public for the first time in 230 years and dedicated space to Poetry.
Poetry in St Andrew Square is supported by:
Scottish Poetry Library, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust,Essential Edinburgh,Ewan Aitken,Coffee Republic,Edinburgh International Book Festival,The Edinburgh Makar,Scottish Book Trust and The Writers’ Museum.
Richard Holloway,once Chairman of the Scottish Arts Council,said that the wonderful thing about having a Poetry Garden in a famous square,in a beautiful city,is the way it will help people to pause for a minute and let Poetry into their lives.
Wring the Scottish Rain Clouds Dry …
Poetry Garden
New Ventures in Cities
Wring the Scottish Rain Clouds Dry …
the summer’s sun slowed down
to pearl-sheen dusk on hillsides and on lochs at midnight.
And, most of all, take the years that have already run to dust,
the dust we spill behind us…
All this,distill,and cask,and wait …
The senselessness of human things resolves
to Who we Are and our Present Fate.
Let’s taste,let’s savour and enjoy …
Here’s life! Here’s courage to go on … Ron Butlin …
“A Recipe for Whisky” from Without a Backward Glance,New & Selected Poems & Seeing Scotland in Verse.
And … what about “a wee dram “ ? Och I need one just to calm me heid … ! Aye All Good ‘N Fine … ♥
New Ventures in Cities
Aye All Good ‘N Fine … ♥
♥ Happy weekend to You All my Fiends & Peace …
Peace to the world,My thoughts go out to Paris 13 Nov 2015 …
My Space in the Immense Universe 
I just love your posts, Doda. I really enjoyed this Scottish visit, today — the beautiful photos, bits of history, wonderful poetry, and fun bits of local vernacular (“wee dram” and “Aye All Good N’ Fine” my favorites). What a wonderful message, too, that after 230 years poetry is still considered an important sparkle in life. Interesting about RLS’s grandfather being consulted. A true joy, here, thank you so very much. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Jet Eliot on 04/12/2015
at 23:22
It was a different “Recipe for Whisky”, a recipe not “on the rocks”, but “on the gardens” with plenty of space to honour poetry that enables people to express their feelings and ideas with intensity and with words of high aesthetic value.You use poetical words too and you describe your travel experiences and nature in a way that prose sounds like poetry.Animals and plants receive a humanlike posture and your love for life and nature is shining all through your lines.
“Aye All Good N’ Fine”,dear friend Jet.What about “a wee dram “to calm our heids?As far as I know,you have to go on with the writing of your new book;your readership can’t wait 🙂 Warm wishes for a beautiful and creative day 🙂
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 10/12/2015
at 16:41
Oh, Doda, this is so lovely and how wonderful to have a poetry garden, even after 230 years, Wow! The poem is beautiful and I’m sorry to arrive late, but the Paris attacks were horrific, to say the least. We need more love and poetry around the world, and more acceptance to loving each other for all our differences and faults. Beautiful and meaningful post, my friend…much love to you! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Baydreamer on 25/11/2015
at 18:17
Thank you for your rich comment,dear Lauren!You looked at it with the eye of the poet and you appreciated it more.After posting it,the horrible events in Paris started and I felt like removing it … Everything then felt so unavailing,so vain … Much love to you and my best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 26/11/2015
at 05:30
Doda – wow 230 years ! I have never been to a poetry garden but truly a great idea – (but have been to a poetry slam on a book store patio) anyhow how cool of a place this is – I like the picture of the purple flowers the most – but such vibrant colors throughout 🌸💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: prior2001 on 19/11/2015
at 16:03
It’s good motivation for people to put poetry in their lives while enjoying the gardens and the relaxing atmoshere of the square in the heart of the city.There is a poetry slam in the centre of Athens too and it attracts so many people and especially young people.Thanks for reading my post and for enjoying the coloured images,dear Yvette 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 19/11/2015
at 17:15
My pleasure and thanks for the reply – ttyl ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: prior2001 on 19/11/2015
at 17:26
Me too,loved your Monday walk and especially the Paris image and your thoughts ❤
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 19/11/2015
at 17:29
I’m sipping a wee dram of wine…. that will have to do… Maybe the whole world would be better if everybody sat down with a nice glass of vino and stepped back for a few moments…
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: RMW on 18/11/2015
at 06:12
But instead,they kill one another,they destroy civilisations and monuments,they spread hatred and terror … “Diesel named as police dog killed in Saint Denis raids hunting for Paris attackers … “She is a heroine now,her life ended so unfairly 😦 Sorry,for answering your thoughtful comment with bad news.I’ve just heard that on the BBC news,and I wanted to share it with you,dear Roslyn.I know that you are a real animal lover.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/diesel-named-as-police-dog-killed-in-saint-denis-raids-hunting-for-paris-attackers-a6738826.html
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 18/11/2015
at 14:26
Yes, Doda, I just heard about the dog. Sometimes, I admit I am more upset about animals being killed than people. Maybe because people sometimes know what they are getting into, whereas I am not sure the dog volunteered to risk his life. On the other hand, dogs being so loyal, I can imagine a dog being willing to give up his life for his master. Nevertheless, without asking the dog, it’s impossible to know!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: RMW on 18/11/2015
at 17:49
Ditto !!!!!!
And,I repeat your viewpoint
“I admit I am more upset about animals being killed than people …” for the same reasons and more.Thank you for appreciating and reading the article,dear Roslyn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 19/11/2015
at 14:52
This is a beautiful post, dear Doda. The poetry garden, the colours and verses, the square – a tribute to the Scottish poetry and a wonderful contrast to the evil deeds we have had to witness. We have to believe in beauty and peace. Thank you. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Tiny on 17/11/2015
at 04:09
You said it all,dear Tiny!Grateful thanks for your insightful comment!You have so beautifully connected it with all the wrongdoings and tragedies that happen in our world.Sending Love & Peace your way 🙂 xxx
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 13:53
Oh, I love these beautiful photos and eloquent words, my dear friend! 🙂 ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Amy on 17/11/2015
at 01:40
Thank my sweet friend Amy!You are close to nature,you love flowers and poems and I am so happy I shared it with you!Have a brilliant day 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 13:47
Thank you for the beautiful post, dear Doda!! Sorry I missed it on Friday and through my reader. My 6 month old PC had a defect, I was running between home and the store on Saturday and Sunday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Amy on 17/11/2015
at 01:37
Only 6 month old and was defective ? How sad and frustrating.To be honest,I thought that after the tragic situation in Paris,people were in very low spirits as I was too.After seeing what was happening there,I felt like removing it … Anyhow,dear Amy,I know how consistent you are,my friend.Is everything all right with your PC now?I hope so 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 13:45
I think the tragedy stayed with us, but we know we have to live…
The defect part of my PC is the touch screen, which I don’t use it at all. But, it causes the screen jumpy, it needs to shipped to the factory for repair, 4-6 weeks at least. Due to Christmas season, I may not get it back until January. I have a iMac, except it doesn’t read photos/files that are read and saved by PC. …
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Amy on 17/11/2015
at 16:47
Scenes and facts that made us feel completely cut up and devastated.Yes,it stayed with us,it has wounded our hearts.That’s a long time,dear Amy!That’s what happens with anything when we don’t use it or overuse it.Be patient and compromise with your iMac now.But,you have to wait for such a long time.If I were you,I would suffer psychologically,I would give it away and would buy a new one.You work so much on it every day,it’s part of yourself,dear friend xxx
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 17:43
I was frustrated… I would give it away… but it’s only 6 months old. I’m getting a laptop, which I can use it until I get my PC back and use it when I travel. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Amy on 17/11/2015
at 19:52
Well done,dear Amy!If that makes you feel happy and you can work on that with ease,that’s what really counts.Happy blogging,my dearest friend!I’ll come by your place later on to check out your new work 🙂 xxx
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 21:03
Thanks for those gorgeous hues in those gardens and landscapes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: lensandpensbysally on 16/11/2015
at 22:58
Glad you enjoyed them dear Sally!Hope you enjoy your breaker and have some wonderful family moments 🙂
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 13:39
Thank you so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: lensandpensbysally on 17/11/2015
at 15:59
Oh Doda.. loved the poem.. so meaningful for the weekend just past.. Edinburgh I have been on the outskirts of once or twice, yet I have been to the city of Glasgow.. Another historic city..
Scotland have been having more than their share of rain this past week.. So I hope the clouds soon disperse and the rays of Sunshine along with your beautiful post shine upon them..
Loved your photo’s Doda .. Thank you for the History too… I still have much to learn about the places right on my doorstep…. 🙂
Sending you Love and Blessings for a wonderful week.. And my own prayers are added to your own for those in Paris my friend..
Hugs Sue xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Sue Dreamwalker on 16/11/2015
at 16:10
It just happened,dear Sue,I could never have imagined what would follow after posting it.I was relaxed and happy and then, the Abigail storm and Hurricane Kate ripped though out the UK,which was like a harbinger of what was to follow in France.Thank you for reading,dear friend,Scotland’s history and natural beauty are unending.The “clouds” still remain above Europe and not only.Let’s hope that better days are on the way.Sending you so much love and Blessings!Enjoy a beautiful sunny Tuesday 🙂 ❤ ,Doda xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 14:15
Yes a harbinger indeed… Many places now flooding up North, we now have Hurricane Barney on our door step today… Another Wild day out.. But there is still plenty of Love in our hearts.. And that is what counts.. Love and Hugs.. Today I pick up our granddaughter from School, So an afternoon later of Fun.. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Sue Dreamwalker on 17/11/2015
at 16:02
Yes,I read about it in a BBC article,but I think it is less forceful than Abigail.It says that Cardiff,Plymouth and Bristol will be hit hardest on Tuesday night.We had a horrible earthquake in the beautiful Ionian island of Lefkada in the morning,it was quite catastrophic,two women are dead.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/strong-earthquake-hits-greek-island-lefkada-35247236
“But there is still plenty of Love in our hearts.” How nicely you stated it Sue!Love,hope and peace,our strongest means to fight misery and Actus Reus … worldwide.Enjoy your time with the little pricess and keep safe and warm 🙂 ❤ xxx
PS:I'll come by your place later on,I think there is something new to read up ….:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 20:43
Oh dear Doda, I just came from reading that link.. How terrible… I hope all is well where you are.. My thought are with those two woman’s families.. Mother Earth is only an echo of what we ourselves are projecting…
Outside she is loudly howling, and Barney is making himself heard and felt here in the Midlands right now 🙂
Yes May we hold peace at our hearts.. and keep on sharing it…
And Doda, I had a lovely time with our little princess, we played Domino’s until her evening meal, and it was time to take her home to her parents.. 🙂
Please keep her in your prayers for next Tuesday, she goes into hospital to have a small operation to her ears.. Nothing serious, but it is to help with a problem of repeated ear infections… Love and Hugs my lovely friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Sue Dreamwalker on 17/11/2015
at 21:53
Thanks for reading the earthquake article,it was bad news early in the morning;here in Athens,only in some areas,they felt slight tremours.Really very unforunate both women,their lives ended so unexpectedly 😦 I can almost hear Barney howling,hope all is fine with you tonight.Little princess will be in my thoughts,in my prayers,thanks for letting me know,dear Sue.These are routine operations,nothing serious as you said,the sweet princess won’t undergo any sharp pain,and by having her sweet granny on her side,she’ll have a speedy recovery.Must be off,a Sue post is waiting … 🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 18/11/2015
at 00:09
Yes I am in the process of writing up a poem.. still only on the first verse.. as I try to catch up here inbetween LOL.. take care, and Thank you xxx ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Sue Dreamwalker on 18/11/2015
at 00:16
Looking forward to reading it 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 18/11/2015
at 02:17
I have never heard of the Poetry Garden and what a nice place it appears to be on your lovely pictures, dear Doda. I always learn something new about the human culture from your interesting posts, my friend. Hugs 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Aditix on 15/11/2015
at 22:26
I think it’s virtuous to motivate poeple with new ventures in cities.And as R.Holloway said,let’s pause for a minute and let poetry into our lives.Thank you dear Aditix for your nice words and for what you share with us.I learn too and philosophise life from your beautiful posts and the Zen spirit in them!Hugs 🙂 ❤ ,Doda xxx
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 14:34
Thankyou for this illuminating article Doda. You know, I have visited Scotland dozens of times and yet never once stopped off in Edinburgh. My real love of the country rests in the Western Highlands – a true European wilderness, pervaded with a sense of timelessness and overwhelming grandeur.
“The senselessness of human things resolves to who we are and our present fate.” – now there’s an idea to wrestle with, for just as with responses to the Arab exodus to mainland Europe, we see the best and worst of who we are reflected in our present fate – ‘interesting times’, as the Chinese say.
With gratitude and respect to you dear Doda,
Hariod.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Hariod Brawn on 15/11/2015
at 15:13
Oh,dear Hariod,I am so glad you have taken in the real essence,the gist,of the poem.I have posted it on one of my other sites too,and have left a gap betwwen these two wise verses to point out their significance concerning our stance towards life and the consequences of the decisions we make.Thanks for connecting it with the situation and the hot issues Europe faces right now.”Interesting times” or Chinese curse … ,an adage which is rather apocryphal.And,although all is ephemeral and still on the cusp,the beauty of the Scottish Highlands remains immutable and premordial!When in Scotland,I enjoy both equally,they are interrelated,nature shapes culture and inspires people.Thank you for your insightful comment,you didn’t simply confine your viewpoint to the beauty of the Square or the flowers,you travelled beyond that.Besides,that was my point.Presumably,there are many Recipes For Whisky … Thanks kindly for approving this one,it must be good …Well.A Recipe For Whisky,a different one …
Grateful Thanks to you,dear Hariod, Doda ~ *
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 16:52
Sláinte! H ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Hariod Brawn on 17/11/2015
at 17:32
Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte ! ❤
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 17:59
Indeed it is! And I wish it to you in abundance dear Doda. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: Hariod Brawn on 17/11/2015
at 18:58
Ditto!A Big Thank You,dear Hariod! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 19:59
loved those greenery 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: joshi daniel on 15/11/2015
at 08:41
Thank you my friend Joshi 🙂
LikeLike
By: DG MARYOGA on 16/11/2015
at 18:54
PS and Prayers for Paris!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: the dune mouse on 15/11/2015
at 01:04
Peace & Prayers for Paris !
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 15:22
One of my favourite cities and I think yours too! lovely information (that I didn’t know) about this beautiful square. Robert Louis Stevenson was one of my favourite childhood authors. I just love the whole concept of a “poetry garden.” I noticed that the Scots love their gardens. I love the earthy philosophy of the Scots such as embodied in your poem here. And they are romantic too-
Till all the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt with the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands of life shall run- Robbie Burns
LikeLiked by 2 people
By: the dune mouse on 15/11/2015
at 01:03
Absolutely,dear Cybele!One of my favourite cities for many reasons.Bonny Scotland has a very special place in my heart ❤
O my Luve's like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve's like the melodie
That’s sweetly play'd in tune …
Grateful thanks for your very special and rich comment,which is imbued with the spirit of Scotland!
Here is a vidoe link for those who Love Bonnie Scotland & Her Culture
Many thanks for your inspirational comment which is now part of my post 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 15:17
oh it’s so lovely and it’s been put to music as well!! Thank you for sharing that Doda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: the dune mouse on 17/11/2015
at 17:24
Isn’t it?I’m so delighted you appreciated it,dear Cybele!Thank you my friend 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 19:56
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: the dune mouse on 18/11/2015
at 09:40
Wonderful photos for a sad day in Paris. Why can’t people all be photographers and shoot nothing but photos?
LikeLiked by 3 people
By: neihtn2012 on 14/11/2015
at 16:39
You wisely said it dear Hien!If people had only beauty in their hearts, we would never experience so much cruelty.Sad,it’s really sad and most upsetting 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 16/11/2015
at 12:48
My darling, you brought a tear to my eye. A nice one. What a wonderful, wonderful post. And a poem I didn’t know. A beautiful poem too.
LikeLiked by 3 people
By: shehannemoore on 14/11/2015
at 16:10
Hi my sweet Scottish friend Shey!I am really delighted to hear that brought something very Scottish onto your threshold!Let’s have “a wee dram “ to honour Bonny Scotland!You come from a very beautiful country,your comment made me feel proud!Have a wonderful day,Shey Dear 🙂 xxx
PS:A big thank you you tweeted it away!Btw,did you see the photo I sent you along with my thanks for R/Ts and more ?
LikeLiked by 2 people
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 14:52
I will look for that my darling. Twitter neer tells me re half the things. I loved this post. Its was so god toe remember the beauty of places when there is so many awful things going on right now. You did us Scots proud my very special lady who comes from a most beautiful country herself !xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: shehannemoore on 17/11/2015
at 19:16
Yeah!You eventually got it,you R/Ted it and I was so glad to view it!It was sent to you from the bottom of my ❤ !Keep feeling Proud,Scotland's long history is brilliant and Scottish people were and are brave!Thaaaaank you for your nice words,for the warmth of your comment,dear Shey 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 19:52
My darling Doda, I did get it. I went and got it actually from your retweets and replies . It was so kind of you, special lady. I am very proud of Scotland’s history. And I am proud to know a lovely lady like yourself from another country I adore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: shehannemoore on 18/11/2015
at 14:54
Yeah,I saw it,I faved it and was so glad you spotted it!I am also proud to have met you,my sweetest Scottish lady!And,I’ve a feeling that tonight I’m going to bake … Thaaaaank you for being consistent,for keeping your promises … Playing a bit catching up at the moment and then I’ll be vising your place to enjoy the critters’ company and some shortbread treats … 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 19/11/2015
at 16:48
Hee hee!! I would not say recipe and not do!! I am so glad to have met you xxxxxxxxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: shehannemoore on 20/11/2015
at 00:58
So am I ❤ Please say thanks to my beloved dudes 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 20/11/2015
at 10:52
right away my darling x
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: shehannemoore on 20/11/2015
at 16:43
🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
By: DG MARYOGA on 20/11/2015
at 17:16
The pictures are amazing … Paris needs all the peace and love😊 Thanks ✌
LikeLiked by 3 people
By: The Hopeful Wanderer on 14/11/2015
at 15:06
Thank you my friend!Glad you appreciated it and that you connected it with Paris.Love and sympathy to Paris,hope all ends here 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
By: DG MARYOGA on 17/11/2015
at 14:39