SPT News
We're honouring the work of our national poet with a summer-themed poster.
Posters a sweet tribute to national poet
July 3, 2009 NewsAll Glasgow Subway stations will display posters featuring the poem Strawberries, by national poet - or Makar - Edwin Morgan.
The colourful posters, supplied by the Scottish Poetry Library (SPL), display the cheerful seasonal verse that is currently leading a poll for the nation's favourite Morgan poem.
Edwin Morgan celebrated his 89th birthday earlier this year and to mark the occasion SPL launched its Edwin Morgan archive and exhibition.
SPT Chair Alistair Watson said: "These beautiful posters are sure to brighten up the summer commute for our passengers as well as honouring Scotland's first and hugely talented national poet.
"With Wimbledon and strawberry season in full swing - and the poem's recent poll success - there's never been a better time to share this beautiful verse with the travelling public."
Robyn Marsack, Director of the Scottish Poetry Library, said: "Strawberries is one of Scotland's great love poems, by Scotland's national poet, and definitely a delicious option for Subway readers."
The publication of the Morgan poem in the Subway is not SPT's first foray into public verse.
Last year the organisation created its first ever Poet in Residence post - held by acclaimed writer John Rice - which brought poetry posters, postcards, workshops and competitions to commuters, schools, museums and charities.
Strawberries (by Edwin Morgan)
There were never strawberries
like the ones we had
that sultry afternoon
sitting on the step
of the open french window
facing each other
your knees held in mine
the blue plates in our laps
the strawberries glistening
in the hot sunlight
we dipped them in sugar
looking at each other
not hurrying the feast
for one to come
the empty plates
laid on the stone together
with the two forks crossed
and I bent towards you
sweet in that air
in my arms
abandoned like a child
from your eager mouth
the taste of strawberries
in my memory
lean back again
let me love you
let the sun beat
on our forgetfulness
one hour of all
the heat intense
and summer lightning
on the Kilpatrick hills
let the storm wash the plates
