My Roots

My roots are deep, here on my peaceful hill,
But, far across the sea, there's a land that is still,
A part of me.......where my kin could not survive,
Staying....or leaving....they must decide!
A famine, deprived them, of home, food and health,
They could not remain, without help or wealth!
And sometimes, I long for that green, Emerald Isle,
I'll go back one day, in spite of so many miles!
Find the place, where musicians and poets, I am told,
Listen to music and stories of old!
I'll feel right at home, with these nice, Irish people,
I'll visit castles and cathedrals, with tall, pointed steeples!
My own sensitive nature will be understood,
Tears and laughter, so natural...that feel so very good!
I'll see the cliffs, green fields and some thatched roofs,
I'll hear the thunder of the racing horses', swift hooves!
I'll wear something green, when I go out to dine!
A feast, in a Mediaeval castle, would be just fine!
I will visit a Pub and meet all the local folks,
I will sing Irish songs and hear funny jokes!
Wouldn't it be fun, to walk across the land?
To wander, where my ancestors used to stand?
Perhaps I'll learn, to dance an Irish Jig, too!
If you are there, I could do this with YOU!
I'll visit Killarney....buy some linen and lace,
My eyes will delight, in each friendly, Irish face!
I will look across, at the rough Irish Sea,
We can walk beside it.....just you and me!
Then, I will go to the other side of the Isle,
I'll look at the Atlantic....I'll think....I'll smile!
If those immigrants, so very long ago,
Hadn't set out for Canada.....you know.....
I would live in Ireland and my life would not be,
Quite the same, as it is now, for me!"
My children, too, would be Irish....homegrown!
All of my friends, I'd never have known!
I'd have missed my abundant, Canadian life,
I'd also have missed, some pain and strife!
Who knows, what life then, might have been?
It is good, that the future cannot be seen!
Would I have found, what I need, in Ireland and see,
That they respect, what is "honest", just like me?
My strict rules aren't there, just once in awhile,
I really don't suit, this modern, new style!
These days, I am frequently put to the test!
Am I on the wrong planet?....not like all the rest?

Pauline Banning
A5-149-97-D14

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