Carnegie and the Seagull

On seeing a seagull standing on the Andrew Carnegie statue in Pittencrieff Park (The Glen), Dunfermline, Scotland

There central in th’ appointed place
He stands composed and stern, with grace
Eyes focused, clear, direct, and strong
He gazes o’er the teeming throng

A benefactor great and kind
Admired world-wide, for wealth and mind
Strong his brow and great his poise
Exemplar for a’ men and boys

His metal fist can’t swat the gull
That stands oblivious on his skull
And dribbles constant streams of shite
To soak bronze cheeks with tears of white

If from beyond you may forgive
The bird that soils your face yet lives
There on your plinth above The Glen
A towering fowl above most men

The droppings fall yet, now and then
Because the seagull *disnae ken

Mac Logan
©

*disnae ken means : doesn’t know (Scots)