A New Year greeting to his nephew and neice. Dunlossit, Carluke. 28/12/29

Dear George and Jess, I must confess
This is nae foolish caiper
And naething less than to express
Oor wish on common paper.

I dis regaird the Christmas caird
[Though some may think it queer]
Their letters bold in glitterin gold
Somehoo look insincere.

What they unfold--in gilded gold
To some may be a pleasure
But ready made is apt to fade
Compared wi' made to measure.

Since Christmas day has passed away
And New Year's day is comin'
Wi' troubles few we hope for you
And every man and woman.

The days that's drear in time will clear
And Sun will shine the langer
And mornin's ring wi' birds that sing
Forgettin' cauld and hunger.

We'll hail the day---come when it may
When a' that work are seekin'
May get a start--to cheer their heart
And keep their chimney reekin'.

And may you long be fit and strong
To face the wind and weather

And be at nicht a welcome sicht
And comfort to your mother.

And mair than a' we hope your ma
May lang can trot aroon
To flite a wee and mak' your tea
And toddle to the toon.

And for your gift I should mak' shift
To hae oor thanks recorded
May--will insteed--take for the deed
It's far mair easy worded.

But a' the same she's no' to blame
For bein pleased to get them
For nane ava hae felt so braw
And nane I ken can bate them.

At concert hall or gentry's ball
As skeech as younger flappers
She'd lightly show baith heel and toe
A credit to her slippers.

Withoot regret--she'd clean forget
She'd ever corn or bunion
And skip aroon in skilted goon ("Skilt": a flighty, giddy, young person [CSD])
As gemm as ony young yin.

As for the chick we'll gladly pick
When snodly he is pooket (neatly [CSD])
And nicely stuffed until he's puffed
And waterless is cooket.

He'll jist be it---and brawly fit
For bishop priest or elder
Wi' roasted chips we'll smack oor lips
Ower your young Baran vilder.


Now as I stop---I pen the hope
When Ne'erday does appear
Wi' pleasant ploy you'll a' enjoy
A happy guid New Year.

Uncle Davie

PS
In readin' this you'll plainly see
Withoot my needless tellin'
It's sent withoot a guarantee
O' Grammar sense or spellin'.