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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EGAN O RAHILLY by JAMES STEPHENS

First Line: HERE IN A DISTANT PLACE I HOLD MY TONGUE
Last Line: WHO ONCE SAID ALL HIS SAY, WHEN HE WAS YOUNG!
Subject(s): OLD AGE;

Here in a distant place I hold my tongue;
I am O Rahilly!

When I was young,
Who now am young no more,
I did not eat things picked up from the shore:
The periwinkle, and the tough dog-fish
At even-tide have got into my dish!

The great, where are they now! the great had said
-- This is not seemly! Bring to him instead
That which serves his and serves our dignity --
And that was done.

I am O Rahilly!
Here in a distant place he holds his tongue,
Who once said all his say, when he was young!



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