Nearly a sonnet for Leanne

[tectak]

All sound advice, and the last line is particularly Scottish, cheerfully miserable Of course, ye cannae ha' a tight seat!

I wonder if "lang alane" might not be better, and are you sure "shriven" is the right word?

I have long learned never to question the diametric expressions of any vernacular, I am convinced they originated just to confound "outcomers".

"lang alane " IS better and it will be changed.
Shriven is an ecumenical act resulting in purging of sins by confession. The scottish are masters at tacking nearly correct usage to words in order to allow the use in a pictorially descriptive way. "Shriven doon" would imply head bowed in repentance and so not looking up to see the beauty around them.
Thanks as always. I never try to deceive......it comes naturally.
Best,
Tectak