seen on the scene
Westside Burns Night Association
By Heidi Powell-Prera
If ever a poet understood the character of his nation , he was Robert Burns . The language he was most fluent in wasn ’ t so much Scots or English – it was the language of the heart . All too human in his personal life , he carried that humanity over onto the page . Nothing was too small or too large to escape his notice … from a mouse in the mud to God in his heavens . A poet for all seasons , Burns speaks to all , soul to soul .
Born in Alloway , Scotland on January 25 , 1759 to a tenant farmer , he was the oldest of seven children . Widely loved today despite his passing at the young age of 37 , he became the National Poet of Scotland with foundations and associations in his memory wherever there are lovers of literature .
The Westside Burns Night Association held its annual fundraiser and memorial on January 28th at the Omni Westside Hotel sponsored by Singapore Airlines , Houston Airports , DNV-GL , and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland . A portion of the funds will be donated to Education 4 Life of the Downs Syndrome Association of Houston .
The purposes of the annual Westside Burns Night Association are : a . To promote Scottish arts and letters especially as expressed through the works of Robert Burns b . To host an annual Burns Night celebration c . To promote and assist charitable causes in the areas of Health ,
Education , and the Arts
Scotland was well-represented by guests dressed in kilts and Scottish plaids . The very gracious host , Robert Wylie , oversaw the entertainment and a typical Scottish meal that was enjoyed by all . A selection of Burns ’ most-loved poems “ Tae a Haggis ”, and “ My Heart is in the Highlands ”, were recited and performed with amazing talent , great fervor and passion . The Rev . Ian Miller flew in and spoke on his Immortal Memory . Throughout his talk , he kept everybody in stitches and engaged with his humor and gregarious personality .
More information can be found at www . westsideburnsnight . com .
8 iF Magazine | March 2017