Thoughts Of An Exiled Irishman

Thoughts Of An Exiled Irishman

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LOVED Ireland, long years I am parted from thee—

I wander the Land of the West,

Where the wonders of nature are beauteous to see,

Yet the scenes of thy shore I love best.

Though unfettered I roam o’er a free, wealthy shore,

And thou art oppressed, sad and ill,

Yet would I were in my dear home Kilmore—

Green Ireland, I cling to thee still!

Sweet home of my youth, though I die far away,

In the land that great Washington freed,

And my exiled companions assemble and pray

By my side with devotion indeed;

Though they bear me along and they leave me to rest

In the side of some beautific hill,

My spirit shall fly to the Isle of the West—

Green Ireland, I cling to thee still!

Through the haunts of my childhood I’ll wander once more,

Where the meadows are flow’ry and fair;

I’ll think on my youthful companions of yore,

And the bright, sunny days I spent there.

I’ll gaze on my father’s low cabin with joy

That is faced to the old busy mill,

’Twas there I first dwelt by the verge of the Moy—

Green Ireland, I cling to thee still!

                                     Edward McNulty

              Moybank, Ballina