Text only  Print this page | E-mail this page| Add to favourites
British Council Scotland
New Scottish Poetry
Audio Poems
About Jackie Kay
Jackie Kay - Sound of Sleat
Sound O Sleat - Scots translation
Sound O Sleat - Gaelic translation
Literature
Find out about our work in literature.
Edinburgh: UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
Read about the organisation which promotes recognition and prestige for Scotland’s literary life nationally and internationally.
CONTEMPORARY WRITERS
Search our database containing up-to-date profiles of some of the UK and Commonwealth’s most important living writers.
An Linne Shlèiteach
Jackie Kay

Sheall mi riamh a-mach air an t-saoghal-mhòr -
Saoil an robh e sealltainn air ais orm fhèin?
‘S mi nam sheasamh air iomall rudeigin,
Air m’ aodann – a’ ghaoth bhon a’ chuan fhuar.

Thar a’ chuain bha sgàthain rim faicinn,
Aodannan mar m’ aodann fhèin,
Daoine glact’ eadar dà àite,
Daoine ri siubhal na fairge.

Agus ar leam bhon a’ ghoirtean –
Leis na clachan agus na caoraich
Agus fuaim a’ chiùil nam shuain
Gum biodh ceòl an t-sluaigh a’ coinneachadh

Air iomall an àite san robh sinn fhèin.
‘S mi fhèin a chunnaic an saoghal cruaidh.
Tha ròc nam aodann, tha mo cholainn fann.
Shaoil mi uair gum biodh e nam chomas –

Nuair a shiubhail an abhainn gus coinneachadh ris a’ mhuir,
Nuair a roinn a’ ghealach is a’ ghrian an speur,
A bhith sealltainn bhuam cho fada ‘s a chitheadh neach
Agus òl air an tè a’ sealltainn air ais.

Sound of Sleat
Translated into Gaelic by Rody Gorman

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Our privacy and copyright statements.
Our commitment to freedom of information. Double-click for pop-up dictionary.
 Positive About Disabled People Download Browsealoud