Born 25 January 1759. Farmer, lover of women, father of at least 11 children, freemason, songwriter and beloved poet who wove the folk traditions and dialects of Scotland into lovely lyrics and ballads. Poems and songs include “Tam O’Shanter,” “To a Mouse,” “Green Grow the Rushes, O” and most of “Auld Lang Syne.” “Oh wad some power the giftie gie us/ To see oursels as others see us!” Born at Ayrshire, Scotland, he died at Dumfries, Scotland, July 21, 1796. His birthday is widely celebrated as Burns Night, especially in Scotland, England and Newfoundland.