“Celia’s Boat” David Elder 69

But the Negie had made his bed And on it he must lie. Although more often hard than soft, He’d stick it with a sigh.

The boat was small – she had no speed. She could not punch at all And often through the lack of power, They had to shoot in Gritely Hole.

With lines and creels and cod nets too, I’m sure they did their best And for the Negie and dear old Dad, There simply was no rest.

Now the Negie had a brother. Zander was his name. He started the sea, with the “Craigielea”. It was himself to blame.

Now this is the crew of the “Craigielea –The Negie, Zander and Dad And boldly those three set off to sea. Many a stormy day they had.

Often they battled with a South-West wind, Often with their tongue –Often, aye, for hours on end, Often till the day was done.

They worked so hard, those three braw lads For their daily livelihood, It didn’t do them ill at all. I think it did them good.

There came a howling South-East storm In the angry winter time. The “Craigielea” was sunk by sea And crushed by the foaming brine.

But not to be outdone Another boat those three did buy. She was some bigger, a wee bit better, So the seine net they did try.

Now as it happens I am the Zander And what I say is true. There was a day whilst in the bay, We had a glorious set-to.

We fought that day, all three of us While lying in the bay. My father swore he’d sell the boat. Here’s what the Neig did say.