A Loving Address to a Thesis

(wae apologies tae Rabbie Burns)

Fair fa’, your wee, neglected face,

Unworthy o’ the student-race,

Devoid o’ form and slow of pace,

Unfeenisht, undelivered;

But thou maun tak’ thy rightfu’ place -

It’s noo - or never!

Of thee, I vow tae take guid care.

Abandoned pleisures I forswear

And bring ma thochts oan thee tae bear,

And there remain.

I’ll strive and steer and persevere,

Yet ne’er complain.

For ye deserve o’ better fare

And I’m nae freen o’ daurk despair,

So doon tae work I must repair –

And work I will

Tae see your pages, wance sae bare

Begin tae fill …..

Sae swiftly does my work progress

That soon, my thesis, I confess

Thou art a work of some finesse!

And near complete.

Thegither we will see success

Sae rare and sweet!

And then – when chance and fate permit –

The hour will fa’ when I submit

Tae Pow’rs that high in judgement sit

- And hope it pleases -

Thou, work o’ wisdom, style and wit,

My bonnie thesis!

Sam Gates