a great man was born

in dublin, 1939

oh, a country torn

by many a wretched swine

with more siblings than

fingers on two hands

born to a clan

deep in the lands

brought to a small home

on the wrong side of the Liffey

oh, but his heart did roam

told his Mam he’d be back in a jiffy

for how could he predict

he’d meet an english girl

Islington they had picked

they were married in a whirl

a kind soul was she

trained as a nurse

always a little carefree

read out a bible verse

soon enough they had

four kids to call their own

they’d say “Look Dad!

We’re finally all grown!”

because soon they left too

just as he had done before

loved each other through and through

what a family to adore

but this great man never had

someone to share his interests

at the banjo he wasn’t bad

played his irish tunes with no diffidence

years and countries down the road

his kids had kids too

but that was just as his pulse slowed

and illness he couldn’t push through

oh, Grandad what a shame

i was eight at your wake

but i carry on your name

the love you couldn’t shake

for i too have a banjo now

and i love the black velvet band

so, for you, i’ll say a vow

i’ll keep the family grand

been piecing together a family tree

it’s taken me five years

i hope you’d be proud of me

i can almost hear your cheers

so, Grandad, what i’m trying to say

i’d like to have properly known you

but your legacy will live another day

i’ll piece the parts together with glue.