Hamewith

A vivid tapestry of verse gathers the voice of a Scotsman far from home, weaving the rhythms of the Highlands into the wide plains of the South African veld. The poems shift from playful celebrations of green yules and heather‑scented evenings to reverent portraits of fading traditions, all rendered in a warm, dialect‑rich diction that feels both intimate and universal. Gentle humor nudges listeners as the poet recalls childhood songs, old‑world customs, and the simple pleasure of a well‑brewed ale, inviting a nostalgic smile.

The opening essay frames the collection as a modest offering of “maya,” a subtle luck the author hopes to pass on through his words. It muses on the dwindling art of reading poetry, the clash of patriotism and exile, and the quiet yearning that steadies a heart split between two continents. Together, the verses and reflections create a moving homage to a vanished Scotland, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the pull of distant, beloved roots.