Read in full the submission of our Creative Writing Competition participant, S. Mason.
With tongue firmly in cheek and wry observation on our sun-chasing holiday habits, S. Mason’s poem is short of a playful ode to Dalkeith’s fickle weather, offering more excitement in a single day than any predictable holiday paradise ever could.
You can read the winners announcement here, as well as a full list of all submissions published.
Holiday Hotspot?
by S. Mason
You'll battle rain and howling wind | On rising with the lark | Then later on at lunch-time | It's "taps aff" in Kings' Park.
Now most of us have been abroad
In search of sun and sea
We save like mad the whole year round
To have a spending spree.
We travel to much warmer climes
To stay a week or two
We tan our skin to lobster red
Instead of whiteish blue.
We go to snowbound countries
To climb and ski and trek
With pompon hats and ski suits
And scarves around our neck.
Why don’t they come to Dalkeith
To spend their annual stay
Experience four seasons
In one spectacular day.
You’ll battle rain and howling wind
On rising with the lark
Then later on at lunch-time
It’s “taps aff” in Kings’ Park.
Then five o’ clock the clouds begin
To gather dark and grey
Snow starts falling down to earth
To brighten up your day.
Then just before you go to bed
There is a wondrous sight
You’ll see the stars all twinkling there
And lighting up the night.
Wear something warm and cosy
If a blizzard strikes in June
And for all you Dalkeith spinsters
There’ll be a monsoon.
