Scotland at the Crossroads by Erik Zoha

Hospitality and drink-fuelled random violence,
Camaraderie and break-ins to feed drugs habit,
National pride in losing teams (football and rugby),
And winning individuals – Andy Murray, Chris Hoy, Alex Ferguson.
Cringe culture being replaced by political self-confidence;
Unionism to devolution and – hopefully – independence.
Mythologising history – Mary Queen of Scots,
Rob Roy Macgregor and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Urban sprawl and outstanding landscape –
New National Parks victims of their popularity –
Litter and pollution threatening to spoil the environment.
Culinary delicacies – venison, smoked salmon, prime beef
In contrast to ‘chips with everything’, deep-fried Mars bar.
Quality malt whiskies and premium ales
Set against Buckfast and Tennent’s Super.
Still one of the “best small countries” in the world
But, amid greedy merchant bankers, credit crunch
And serious-crime wave, knife culture,
For how much longer?

(Poem inspired by photographic images of Scottish culture, life and history, contrasting the ‘good, bad and ugly’ of Scottish society in 2009).