Edwin Morgan, a prolific and versatile poet, is widely regarded as a significant figure in the Scottish Renaissance and a driving force behind the revitalization of Scottish literature in the 20th century. Born in Glasgow on April 27th in 1920, Morgan’s early life experiences, including serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War II, greatly influenced his writing. Throughout his career, he produced an extensive body of work, ranging from experimental poetry and concrete visual poems to translations of classic works from various languages. His dedication to his craft and his role in shaping the modern Scottish literary landscape led to his appointment as the first-ever Glasgow Poet Laureate in 1999, and then the first-ever Scots Makar, or national poet, in 2004.
Morgan’s poetry exhibits a unique blend of traditional and contemporary themes, with a strong emphasis on Scottish identity and culture. He is often hailed for his ability to capture the essence of human experiences and societal issues, while weaving in his own distinctive voice and perspective. The Scottish Renaissance, a literary movement that sought to promote and celebrate Scottish culture, provided the perfect backdrop for Morgan’s artistic development. His contributions to the movement were instrumental in fostering a renaissance in Scottish poetry, as he deftly navigated between the literary past and present, creating works that resonated deeply with readers.
Over the course of his career, Edwin Morgan published numerous acclaimed poetry collections, such as “The Second Life” (1968), “From Glasgow to Saturn” (1973), and “Sonnets from Scotland” (1984). His innovative approach to language and form, combined with his keen insight into the human condition, earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, the Cholmondeley Award, and the Saltire Society’s Scottish Book of the Year Award.
As the Scottish Laureate, Morgan used his platform to champion the importance of poetry and literature in contemporary society. He was an advocate for the power of the written word to inspire, challenge, and unite people from all walks of life. His tireless efforts to promote Scottish literature and culture on a global scale, coupled with his exceptional body of work, solidify his legacy as one of Scotland’s most esteemed poets.
Edwin Morgan’s life and works represent a significant chapter in the history of Scottish literature. His contributions to the Scottish Renaissance, his expansive and diverse body of work, and his tenure as the Scottish Laureate have left an indelible mark on the literary world. Morgan’s enduring influence on contemporary Scottish poetry is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
The Picnic
In a little rainy mist of white and grey
we sat under an old tree,
drank tea toasts to the powdery mountain,
undrunk got merry, played catch
with the empty flask, on the pine needles
came down to where it rolled stealthily away –
you lay
with one arm in the rain, laughing
shaking only your wet hair
loose against the grass, in that enchanted place
of tea, with curtains of a summer rain
dropped round us, for a rainy day.
-Edwin Morgan
Curated by Jennifer
