Scotland, Aye! Unless you are a native of Caledonia, it is helpful to read Burns aloud. What you hear in the ear becomes much more understandable than what you see on the page. Rather than a dried up old member of the dead poet's society, Burns is still vibrant with bawdy, naughty, fun and thoughtful poems. They show a man who, if he didn't live long, he lived well filled with passions instense in his loves and dislikes. Tam O'Shanter is still scary, the love of a man for his illegitimate daughter still endearing, the mockery of hypocrites still cutting and his fondness for a good pub and company makes you want to lift a pint. ( )