Robert Burns (1759-1796)

Robert Burns is the greatest poet of Scotland.

His father, William Burns, was a poor farmer. So Robert spent part of every day helping his family on the farm.

Robert learned from his father to be kind and to understand people. His mother also taught him something important. As she worked, she often sang old countryside songs. In the evenings, she told her children folk tales and stories.

William Burns wanted his children to get an education. Robert and his brother went to school, but they also had to work on the farm, so they had little time for homework.

Robert started writing poems when he was fifteen years old. In his poems, he wrote about simple people and everyday life with love and care.

Later, his first book of poems was published and people loved it. He was then asked to help collect old Scottish folk songs. Robert wrote new words for many of the tunes.

Robert Burns wrote many poems. They are about farmers, workers, and people from small villages. His poems are full of life and feeling.

Today, Robert Burns’s poems are known and loved all over the world.