Born on this day October 17, 1921, George Mackay Brown, a prolific poet, author, and dramatist, was an extraordinary figure who devoted his literary abilities to capturing the soul of Orkney, the archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland. His works are a testament to his deep love for Orkney and its people, and they provide a unique window into this fascinating place.
Born and raised in Orkney, George Mackay Brown’s life and work were deeply intertwined with the islands. His poetry reflects the rhythms of island life, the ebb and flow of the sea, and the cycles of birth, death, and renewal that mark the passage of time in this remote place. His verse is imbued with a profound sense of place – not just the physical landscape of Orkney, but its history, culture, and spirit.
At the heart of Brown’s poetry lies a deep reverence for the ordinary people of Orkney – the fishermen, crofters, and artisans whose lives are shaped by the demanding island environment. Through his words, he brings these characters to life with a vividness that is both compelling and deeply humane. He presents them not as quaint relics of a bygone age, but as individuals whose stories are timeless and universal.
The poetry of George Mackay Brown is more than just a tribute to Orkney; it is a tribute to the human spirit – resilient, enduring, capable of finding beauty in even the harshest circumstances. In his work, we see a celebration of community and a recognition of the bonds that tie us to each other and to the world around us.
Through his poetry, George Mackay Brown invites us to discover Orkney in all its complexity – its harsh beauty, its rich history, its vibrant culture, and above all, its people. He gives us not just a portrait of Orkney but an insight into what it means to be human. In this sense, his work is not just about Orkney; it is about all of us.
The Finished House
In the finished house a flame is brought to the hearth.
Then a table, between door and window
Where a stranger will eat before the men of the house.
A bed is laid in a secret corner
For the three agonies – love, birth, death –
That are made beautiful with ceremony.
The neighbours come with gifts –
A set of cups, a calendar, some chairs.
A fiddle is hung at the wall.
A girl puts lucky salt in a dish.
The cupboard will have its loaf and bottle, come winter.
On the seventh morning
One spills water of blessing over the threshold.
-George Mackay Brown
Curated by Jennifer
