A Nation Once Again

Day 808, 14:32 • Published in Ireland USA • by Cpl Useless

I have noticed a lack of poetry in eIrish media. This seemed like a good one today. Enjoy!

A NATION ONCE AGAIN
by Thomas Davis

When boyhood's fire was in my blood,
I read of ancient freemen,
For Greece and Rome who bravely stood,
Three Hundred Men and Three Men.
And then I prayed I yet might see
Out fetters rent in twain,
And Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation once again.
And, from that time, through wildest woe,
That hope has shown, a far light;
Nor could love's brightest summer glow
Outshine that solemn starlight;
It seemed to watch above my head
In forum, field, and fane;
Its angel voice sang round my head,
"A Nation once again."

It whispered, too, that "freedom's ark
And services high and holy,
Would be profaned by feelings dark
And passions vain and lowly;
For freedom comes from God's right hand,
And needs a godly train;
And righteous men must make our land
A Nation once again."

So, as I grew from boy to man,
I bent me to the bidding -
My spirit of each selfish plan
And cruel passion ridding;
For, thus I hoped some day to aid -
Oh! can such hope be vain? -
When my dear country shall be made
A Nation once again.