The Shoppie

David Smith (Cornal)

David Smith lived in Chapel Street, Portessie, very near Harper's shop where the local children used to buy their sweets.

Composed shortly after the start of the second World War

On these lang days oor thochts aye stray

Where we've spent mony a happy' day.

And now we wonder when again

We'll gaun an shelter frae the rain

To Harper's shoppie.

A happy lot o' lads met there

Until they filled up every chair.

And then so far as they were able

They sat themselves upon the table

At Harper's shoppie.

The auld fireside we've gaithered roun

Until the flickerin' fire died down.

Syne up ae lad wid rise and say:

"It's time I was gaun hame for tea

Frae Harper's shoppie'".

"Guid nichts" were said wi' cheerie clatter.

Wi' lauchter then we'd hameward patter.

And as we'd pairt to gaun oor gait

A pal wid say: "We'll meet at eight

At Harper's shoppie'".

Then came September and we heard

O' dark days that wid lay ahead.

Lads that are pairted, young and auld

In answer to the country's call

Think' o' the shoppie.

And noo while they're awa to war,

Some here, some there, and some afar,

Their heirts are never far frae hame.

They wish that they were back again

At Harper's shoppie.

But if this war maun tak' its toll

O' lads who've answered to the call,

Let's hope and pray that when we're there

There dinna be an empty' chair

At Harper's shoppie.

And when this war is something past

And a' the lads are hame at last,

There's sure to be a tall ane spun

O' how they've treated Hitler's hun

At Harper's shoppie.

Let's hope that it's all over soon,

Afore anither year comes roun.

And soon that we will meet again

Some nicht to shelter frae the rain

At Harper's shoppie.

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