Hollow faced, in threadbare cloak,
we wear a homemade mask of hope;
yet we march along in time-worn shoes,
as we have nothing left to lose, but hope.
We are children, families, Irish all -
who carry on with hope, somehow;
and fueling our Irish spirit, paradoxically,
is our unjustly tormented souls' brevity.
We will never yield disgraced, displaced;
and to the world we bravely face,
is the face we wear for show; our pride
in Ireland remains forever, to never die.
We are lovers, fighters, Irish all -
for Ireland's freedom, to never fall;
we live, long-suffering, behind a mask,
to our foes we show our united wrath.
Within our fiery breast lives hope
that Ireland will overcome her woe;
as her loss and sorrow becomes the past,
and we shall rise with the bird at last.
Author notes
To "rise with the bird" is an old Irish saying. A quote from the book, 'Irish-American Poetry.'
"To Rise with the Bird" is an old Irish saying indeed, or "Up with the Lark" is the other. Bobby Sands, MP rose with the lark, his first book and poem was actually called 'The Lark.'" ~ Comment by Lady Ireland, aka Dolores Craig.
“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in shackles.” ~Jean Jacques Rousseau.
"The trouble with the Irish is that they don't want to be English." ~Winston Churchill.
A contest entry
- Grace just hold me in your arms.... by Cannonsfire.
3500 points, ended June 23, 4 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
In Memoriam of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett.
Comments
1 - 22 of 22
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Yes we all need love with the Hope in our heart even when we loose everything.Very patriotic thoughts. I admire.
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Thank you for dropping in & thanks for the clappies!!
I really apprecaite your thoughtful comments!!
Peace & hugs,
xx Cyn xx
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Just had to read this again cyn,
ilove it so much babe, you are a star! xxx
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Thank you, thank you for the kudos!
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This is so beautiful and very inspiring. Congrats on the Gold! It's well worthy of it. I loved this, amazing write my friend.
Blessings,
~Michaela~
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Thank you for dropping in & thanks for the clappies!!
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insperational
This poem represents your Irish pride so beautifully. It's very elegant
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Thank you for stopping by to read my poetry!!
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you write SO well. wow. this was beautifully done. congrats on the gold.
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Thank you for reading my work, and for sharing your thoughtful comments!!
I really appreciate the kudos, too!!
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I liked this one. My kind of poem. Well done.
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Thank you for stopping by!!
Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, and the kudos really made my day!! Thanks again, and you take care. Peace, xx Cyn 
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Tis a most fine tribute to the spirit of the Irish, my grandmother would appluad, well done, blessing with love John
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments!!
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I can hear the wonderful accent in this very standing piece ...a voice that quotes the spirit of Eire throughout the generations with pride ...a wonderful read dear poet
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Thank you for stopping by!!
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A very heartfelt write sweetie, I hadn't heard the saying "rise with the bird" before. I am glad you gave us the meaning, I only wish I had looked at your notes, before pondering it for so long. Very Nice Girl....Best wishes in the contest
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Thank you for the kudos!!
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Exquisite hon, truely inspirational.. good luck Cyn
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Thank you, thank you!!
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I felt every word of this C
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Go raibh maith agat...
Your kind words flow like Irish rivers. xx Cyn
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