Scotland in Brussels!

Now, whom shall I guide today

Or will the rain keep guests at bay?

Clouds are Belgium’s well-known trait

So, to Saint Rita* we must pray.

 

The cobbles help absorb the flow

But with umbrellas guides must go

As they weave legends with quaint facts

To keep their audiences on track!

 

Five “lads” from Scotland in one group

Plied me with questions and would stoop

To making witty repartee …

Trying to catch me out – you see.

 

But this time, she-must-be-obeyed

The plans of mice and men** delayed

As St. Andrew’s flag was carved in stone

A sign perhaps of Home Sweet Home?

 

Sablon, Marolles and Villers Street;

A cannonball***– great French defeat!

All rounded off with beers and frites;

A nicer group I’ve yet to meet!

(c) Poet in the woods 2023

Minerva statue in the Sablon - erected by Thomas Bruce in 1751

* Rita di Cascia (1381-1457) Roman Catholic patron saint of desperate causes

** Rabbie Burns (1759-1796)

*** In Villers Street - above a doorway