Larry Doolan’s Christmas Card, 1893

Larry Doolan’s Christmas Card, 1893

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The following “lamentation” is to a Garden Street lady

residing in New York city:-

I know this night is Christmas Eve of all nights in the year;

I’m thinking of my colleen Dhú, so far and yet so near.

Her ringing laugh, her hazel eyes, her jet-black silken hair—

Perhaps she has some masher chap beside her on the chair?

His arm around her slender waist, enjoying her bright smile,

Whilst I, ochone, sit here alone, in Erin’s lovely isle.

And if she weds this masher fool, may God forgive her sins;

Oh! may he find himself each year the ‘pater’ of fat twins;

May he get “tight”, roll home each night with all his senses gone—

Then may he feel the “flushfork” in that part he sits upon;

And may the twins alarm the street with screeches loud and vile

Whilst I, ochone, sit here alone, in Erin’s lovely isle.

But if she still remembers me—her honest, faithful friend—

Then may her Christmas, happy be, the New Year to her lend

New charms. But, quite impossible—“the lily you can’t paint.”

Dear, Reader, you may fancy we are lovers, but we aint,

She filled a sister’s place for years, but now is in exile,

Whilst I, ochone, sit here alone, in Erin’s lovely isle.

                           Larry Doolan

                                                          Ballina, 1893.