Pity.
I go the Burns suppers--in fact have hosted one for the past four years--because I love the entire event. I originally attended to be with friends in my clan society and because I had a passing interest in Burns.
But as I listened and learned and then studied and researched, I became quite an admirer and ardent fan. I have found in Burns a depth of feeling and perception--not to mention his other pursuits and contributions--that translate well through the centuries.
Burns was a good man and complex. He was sometimes a romantic and sometimes a realist, a lover and perhaps a lecher. In fact, he was pretty much like all men: a mix of admirable, less than admirable, and undesireable. but I am quite certain that the good parts outweighed the bad.
Raphael, I sincerely hope that you can somehow find your way to tackle the more demanding pursuits of literature. The effort will be worth it if you do, and you will find it much more satisfying and lasting than sports and video games. I say this at the risk of sounding pedagogic or condescending; it is not intended to be that. I only wish to share the small bit of wisdom that I have paid for with dear coinage. In youth we learn; in age we understand.
I attend Burns Suppers in order to celebrate and share a love of Burns, hoping that those present will catch at least a small whiff of the aroma of his genius and contributions to the human race. He really was one of those who burned twice as brightly but only for a short time.
Dare I suggest that if you don't like Burns it's because you don't know him?
. . . O whither, O whither shall I turn!
All friendless, forsaken, forlorn!
For, in this world, Rest or Peace
I never more shall know!
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!
Originally Posted by thescot
Pity.
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