The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE - Robert Burns’ night will be celebrated at the Clifton Forge Public Library in the Michael Armstrong Room Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m.
It will mark the 253rd birthday of the Scottish bard.
“Burns Night” or “Burns Supper” observances are held around the world for the famous Scottish poet.
“With the strong Scotch-Irish heritage in the Alleghany Highlands, it was felt that this ‘Celebration of Scottish Heritage’ was in order,” said a library spokesman.
Burns was considered the most human of the writers during the 1700s and could make his readers feel the plight of a field mouse that was deprived of his nest, as he did in one of his poems. He was admired for his wit and warm-hearted nature. Many of his poems became familiar Scottish songs, including “Coming Through the Rye” and “Auld Lang Syne.”
One of the many lines often quoted, not in Burns’ words, is “O for the power to see ourselves as others see us.”
Burns’ poetry was considered the best of its kind.
During the celebration at the Clifton Forge Library, there will be a viewing of a DVD on the life and works of Burns, poetry readings, and those attending will sing “Auld Lang Syne.” There will also be a surprise musical guest.
During the month of January, books, CDs, and DVDs on Scotland, Ireland, and the Scotch Irish heritage in America will be on display and patrons are invited to check these out. The display includes American presidents and other famous Americans of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
