Each month we will be featuring a guest writer and this month is Mike Elsey. He said about this moving poem, I, like many, have a true passion for Scotland, the Ghaidhealtachd in particular, and have done a great deal of research into the romantic, tragic, and awe inspiring history of the Gaels. I have been so moved by the history of this ancient people, I felt inspired to write the following poem. .... It was written in honour of the mighty Gael, and I dedicate it to all Scots abroad.

I awoke a Gael that ancient morn,
Storm clouds gathered o'er the Ben.
A kindred spirit newly born,
Pure and strong was the blood within.

The blood line grew, strength to the Clan,
Thunder rumbled overhead.
I fought the Viking from our land,
Won back the Isles for Somerled.

With Wallace at Stirling, my blade rang true,
De Bruce led me fighting a stiff warrior's pace.
The sky then went quiet and God's light it shone through,
And the high wind of freedom blew cool on my face.

The Bonny Boy Prince and his Jacobites blue,
Then called on my Highland pride once more.
The heavens let loose and a fury insued,
As I bled the ground red on Culloden Moore.

The next battle I fought with no weapon in hand,
My enemy often not even in sight.
For I fought for the freedom to stay on my land,
But the greed of my countrymen burned far too bright.

In the cold bitter wind, under skies dark and gray,
The bloodline ran thin and it's color grew pale.
The children of the Ghaidhealtachd all driven away,
Now I fight to find a new home for the Gael.

Home is now peaceful, the storm has abated,
Silent stone guards o'er Lochs crystal blue.
I can still see it clearly, my memory gated,
But I've left it forever and started anew.

Now I fight for identity, to keep history alive,
Build up the blood line, strong, proud and bold.
Always the Gael will fight to survive,
With a strength handed down from the warriors of old.

So rekindle the light that once brightly shone,
Through stories and song is our history saved.
Keep live the memories of Scotland our home,
And shine them forever on Scotland The Brave.

The author can be reached by email.

More guest writers can be found here.