An Irishman Returns

© 2003 Jeffrey E. McCaskill. All Rights Reserved.

I've wandered 'cross so many lands
I cannot name them all
I've wandered near and far, 'tis true
To islands great and small. 

But now that I have fallen ill
There's only one I seek
The Emerald Isle that makes me smile
Though I grow pale and weak.

There's one thing that I've come to know
I've given it much thought
There are those who travel
Those who don't
And those who shouldn't ought. 

'Tis true, abroad, I've seen some things
That seemed were Heaven-sent
But measured up to all I missed
I wonder why I went.

I never settled down, ye see
I never had a child
And now that Death's a-knockin' hard
I'm wonderin' all the while.

So put a stew to boil, my friends
For I'm a-comin' home
To take my place beneath the fields
Of Irish leaf and loam. 

Yeah, do the honors, make a toast
To all that we have shared
And set my Irish spirit free
Upon the evening air.