The Kitchen Fire
tune – Naver Bay

One night after the New Year
When all was calm and clear
Had a dram before the open Raeburn fire
Thoughts directed to times past
Old time memories clearly last
While with them I ceilidhed round the kitchen fire.

Like their fathers did of old
Many stories have been told
Relating to events from years gone by
And in their mother tongue
Many gaelic songs were sung
As they sat and ceilidhed round the kitchen fire.

Local history did unfold
As folklore tales were told
And news pertaining to the week in hand
More songs then they’d sing
To tradition sure did cling
As they sat and ceilidhed round the kitchen fire.

The ‘good stuff’ they’d pass round
Inspiration always found
Perhaps to sing another song or two
Each chorus all would sing
A rich melody did bring
As they sat and ceilidhed round the kitchen fire.

But now those days are past
Social media travels fast
Communication always close at hand
Computers and TV
Facebook news for all to see
No desire to ceilidh round the kitchen fire.

But often I do sit
And reminisce a bit
Recall to mind the ceilidhs round the fire
To many an absent host
I’ll drink a silent toast
To with whom I ceilidhed round the kitchen fire.