BEFORE my time my kindred were As felons in their land, Because they claimed the liberty That freemen understand. Ere I was born in Dublin town Men's hearts were still aflame; They spoke of Allen and O'Brien, And whispered Larkin's name. When I slept on my mother's breast, A little babe, and frail, Young Duffy's hearse went slowly by: He died in Milbank Jail. When I could read, I spelt and knew The lives of patriot men; When I could write, my pencil traced — "A Nation Once Again." I learnt of those who often knew The baton and the cell, Who asked for right by peaceful means — O'Connell to Parnell. And once when thro' the cheering streets Some "felon" homeward came I lit, amongst the gayer lights, My candle's tiny flame. When I was but a little child I ran by Kickham's side; I heard his bitter story told In reverence and pride. And when with years he passed away, When life was young and fair, I stood upon time's crowded path, And met O'Leary there. I saw with pity and amaze A craven party go, Obedient to a Scotsman's word, For Parnell's overthrow. Before Kilmainham's bloodstained walls I stood all cold and still; I lived through all the awful night That shadowed Pentonville. If thus o'er @3one@1 life's blotted page Some neutral soul should bend, He'll read to-day — as yesterday — The story without end. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOROTHY DANCES by LOUIS UNTERMEYER ON THE DEATH OF RICHARD WEST by THOMAS GRAY A FRIEND'S SONG FOR SIMOISIUS by LOUISE IMOGEN GUINEY ANSWER TO MASTER WITHER'S SONG, 'SHALL I, WASTING IN DESPAIR?' by BEN JONSON THE INVITATION by JAMES BARCLAY |