4 The Lone Piper Poem by Alf Hutchison
4 The Lone Piper
Alone upon a hilltop,
Stood a piper boldly grand,
A soldier far away from home;
Scotland his homeland.
Sunset now behind him,
A lonely silhouette,
Hands upon the chanter,
So passionately set.
The finest of the finest,
The pride of Scotland’s best,
Black Watch Regimental medals,
Blazoned upon his chest,
Hot sun, not a hint of breeze,
To sway his pleated kilt.
His stoic comrade’s passion,
Would never ever wilt.
Troops standing at attention,
In the valley far below,
Heard the haunting melody,
As the tune began to flow.
“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see”
In perfect rank and file they stood,
Firearms reversed and still.
Lamenting sound filled the air,
Pipes melancholy shrill.
That Piper in the dying light,
Piped as nere before,
Haunting melody of pipes,
Brought shivers to the core.
Proud Scots, courageous men,
True soldiers one and all,
Called to war by their King,
They answered to the call.
They had come to honor heroes,
Those who’d lost their lives,
Men who’d left behind
Parents, children, wives;
Tears welling in the eyes,
Of those courageous men.
When would the next man die?
Not who, or why… but when.
Alf Hutchison
This evocative poem throbs with the sororous reverberation of the bagpipes. They play a veritable anthem whose poignant message will stay with the reader long after the closing line. S
Superbly written, fluent and easy to conseptualize with fantastic descritpive verses. As a lover of traditoinal Scottish folk music I was able to infuse The Great Highland Bagpipe into my senses feeling honor and respect for the men who have fought and died for their country and their religion. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Simply Stunning write Alf. Gave me goose bumps because I can hear the pipes and the song and feel the grief and compassion. I love the ending too. It is perfect. No who or where but when! So true, and that is here also, it is not a matter of IF the US will suffer and awaken to reality but WHEN. and I fear sooner rather than later. My utmost regards, Susan
I have read this poem over and over again and it still moves me to tears every time. From your favourite fan, Mandy Moo
beautifully written, and a very touching poem alf.great work. ritty
Very beautifully written Alf you gave me goosebumps, well done.
Another fine poem Alf I know what is like to bury one of your own, pray I never have to do it again 10 Daniel
A haunting piece Alf, it tells a story and the imagery makes it so real, 10 Lynda xx
Alf, Having heard the bagpipes several times at close quarters, and being an ex servicewoman this poem haunts. Lisa
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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12/5/2025 3:11:30 AM # 1.0.0
I'd like to know if this was based on a real experience.