A LITTLE TOUCH OF IRELAND
It's a busy year for Ireland. This year we remember all that happened in 1916. This week also saw St. Patrick's Day parades being celebrated around the world. Many people left our shores over the generations. Each one with his own story. This is a poem dedicated to all who left our Island.
'THE CRUEL FLOWER'
Under its beauty lay death
It deceived us with pretty blossoms
Promising health, contented bellies
Carefree days, held with promise
Some were violet, some white
They filled our hearts with great delight
We danced between the flowers
Got soaked in spring showers
The wind blew and the blossoms danced
They held us all in a trance
The dancing clouds above agreed
But in its wind it brought disease
Every family had its story
Hearts - no longer enduring
Wedding plans, fiddles playing
Gave away to mourners praying
How cruel this life can be
When families are leaving on the seas
Broken hearts, shattered dreams
Mothers crying, babies dying
Once again the sound of laughter
Children playing in the pastures
Once again the fiddle plays
Promising carefree days.
Poem by Valerie Heney