Dancing Dust
	Poems by Mollie Caird (1922-2000)
	A Pi Skye boat song
Home Alphabetic index of poems Thematic index of poems Biography Gallery Contact and links	"Speed, bonny boat," the sailors cry, But hearts ashore begin to beat; The Sabbath-fearing folk of Skye Prepare this bonny boat to meet, The Wee Free Kirk is on its feet, The minister will never run: ("There, little one, you must not greet, Hush, Flora, it is only fun.") Another Flora, years gone by, Sped hither with a hunted fleet, For her fair Prince to risk or die — A noble cause that proved a cheat. One's poison is another's meat, Can innocence and sin be one? Can Sabbathpeace be Sunday treat? ("Hush, Flora, it is only fun.") The jagged Cuillin rears on high; From Vaternish to Aird of Sleat Climb blue against the rain-washed sky The long smokes of the crofters' peat. In but and ben they leave their seat, Knock out the the pipes, the wee drams shun; The men of Skye brook not defeat: ("Hush, Flora, it is only fun.") Envoy Prince of the world retreat, retreat — Not thrust of sword nor blast of gun Shall turn the Gaels from Kyleakin's street: ("Hush, Flora, it is only fun.") There was a fracas at a demonstration at Kyleakin on the inauguration of the Sunday ferry service to Skye.  A mother was heard comforting her crying child with the poem's refrain. Oxford Times, 11 June 1965