Poetry Readings
Readings of Poetry from the Shetland Archives
Content
- Water-lilies, a poem by Vagaland read by Mark Smith
- Da Corbie, a poem by John Peterson read by Mark Smith
- Da Sang o da Fisher Lad, a poem by John Nicolson read by Mark Smith
Water-lilies, a poem by Vagaland read by Mark Smith
T.A. Robertson (known as ‘Vagaland’) was born in 1909 and is probably Shetland’s best known and best loved poet. His poem ‘Water-lilies’ is read here by Archives Assistant Mark Smith, from home, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Da Corbie, a poem by John Peterson read by Mark Smith
John Peterson, born 1895 in Gruting, is probably best known today as the war poet Private Pat. He wrote two books of poetry about his WW1 experiences using this name, and later became one of Shetland's most distinctive photographers. He wrote a novel about the war too, which was never published. Anyone who would like to read it can find the manuscript in the archives. His poem ‘Da Corbie’ is read here by Archives Assistant Mark Smith, from home, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Da Sang o da Fisher Lad, a poem by John Nicolson read by Mark Smith
John Nicolson was born in Aithsting in 1876. He wrote lots of books, including collections of poetry, folklore and a biography of Arthur Anderson. This poem was set to music by folk band Hom Bru for their 2003 album No Afore Time. His poem ‘Da Sang o da Fisher Lad’ is read here by Archives Assistant Mark Smith, from home during the Covid-19 pandemic.