The Lonely Forgotten Gael
by
Seamus Robinson
© SEAMUS ROBINSON 1957
( credit is due to my old friend, Tony
Austin of Belfast, for the retrieval of
this piece from the dusty labyrinthine
recesses of my brain. Thanks, Tony. )
Lonely ones, forgotten,
In the border-lands tonight,
Pitting their broken strength
‘Gainst the British Empire’s might.
And only the wind, repentant now,
From the hills like a banshee’s wail,
Voices her grief in sad lament,
For the lonely forgotten Gael.
Lonely ones, forgotten,
In their prison cells tonight,
Wasting out their years,
‘Waiting Freedom’s light.
And only the wind, repentant now,
From the hills like a banshee’s wail,
Voices her grief in sad lament,
For the lonely forgotten Gael.
Lonely ones, forgotten,
In the felon’s grave tonight,
Sweet life sacrificed,
For sake of Ireland’s right.
And only the wind, repentant now,
From the hills like a banshee’s wail,
Voices her grief in sad lament,
For the lonely forgotten Gael.
* * *