So with out darkest days behind
our ship of hope will steer
and when in doubt just keep in mind
our motto PERSEVERE
It disna matter where she gangs
she’s always happy and gay
now she’s kippin it up with a navvy
at the fit o the sherry brae
The above two slabs of concrete are part of a set of five which can be found along the Water of Leith walkway, just as the walk meets Coburgh Street in Edinburgh. I have walked past them for years, and I particular like the first slab, which includes the Leith motto, Persevere. The motto reflects Leith’s past, as a docks for all kinds of international vessles. However I am afraid to sayI know nothing about where the verses are from, who chose them and why. I would be grateful if anyone could tell me.
Another reason why I like these slabs is because it’s great to see poetry being incorporated into public works like the Water of Leith walkway. I wish we could see poetry used in this ay more, as it certainly becomes a talking point and can liven up a walk, as well as stimulating the mind.
it is great to see poetry on walkways, actually it would be nice if these poetry stones could extend all along the Water of Leith….. I’m a volunteer warden along part of the river and apart from kingfishers, poetry is the only thing my patch is missing. We do have a lovely tree stump sculpture though…
Ooh, where is the sculpture? I’d love to see it.