Yep. It’s time for our monthly poem. In the past few months, I’ve had a hard time finding a good poem relating to the month. This month was different. I found what I wanted on the second site I opened.

This poem, by Robert Burns, talks about Lammas Night. Lammas Day (also known as Loaf Mass Day) is a Christian holiday celebrated on August 1 in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the blessing of the first fruits of harvest. A loaf of bread is brought to the church and used in Holy Communion.

I like Robert Burns’s poems, and this one is no exception. It was written in 1783 and reads in an old tongue, but not so old that it can’t be understood. This poem was sung to the tune of Corn Rigs are Bonie. It is a lively tune. Enjoy!

The Rigs O’ Barley

By Robert Burns

It was upon a Lammas night,
When corn rigs are bonie,
Beneath the moon’s unclouded light,
I held awa to Annie;
The time flew by, wi’ tentless heed,
Till, ‘tween the late and early,
Wi’ sma’ persuasion she agreed
To see me thro’ the barley.

Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs,
An’ corn rigs are bonie:
I’ll ne’er forget that happy night,
Amang the rigs wi’ Annie.

The sky was blue, the wind was still,
The moon was shining clearly;
I set her down, wi’ right good will,
Amang the rigs o’ barley:
I ken’t her heart was a’ my ain;
I lov’d her most sincerely;

I kiss’d her owre and owre again,
Amang the rigs o’ barley.
Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.

I lock’d her in my fond embrace;
Her heart was beating rarely:
My blessings on that happy place,
Amang the rigs o’ barley!
But by the moon and stars so bright,
That shone that hour so clearly!
She aye shall bless that happy night
Amang the rigs o’ barley.
Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.

I hae been blythe wi’ comrades dear;
I hae been merry drinking;
I hae been joyfu’ gath’rin gear;
I hae been happy thinking:
But a’ the pleasures e’er I saw,
Tho’ three times doubl’d fairly,
That happy night was worth them a’,
Amang the rigs o’ barley.
Corn rigs, an’ barley rigs, &c.