Anna Johnston MacManus Poems

On Inisheer, on Inisheer,
In the Spring-tide of the year,
You sought me, in your eyes love's rapture burning;
And for the words you said,
...

I roved last night from dusk to dawn lamenting all forlorn!
And stept upon a ring of green beneath a twisted thorn,
...

I am Brian Boy Magee–
My father was Eoghain Bán–
I was wakened from happy dreams
By the shouts of my startled clan;
...

I NEVER dance as in days of yore,
Caroll O'Daly! Caroll O'Daly!
The banquet hall knows my mirth no more,
My song is silent, my wheel at rest;
...

In a sheltered, cool, green place
You and I once stood together
Where the quickens interlace.
...

'Donal Mac Seaghain Na Mallacht
Sign the cross on your lips and breast
Before you go into the battle
Where, maybe, you'll find your rest.
...

The blue lake of Devenish!
I put my thousand blessings there;
(The blue lake of Devenish )
...

All the Summer for our loving, with the soft wind in the wheat!
Ah! but Autumn brought disaster, speeding far on deadly feet.
...

Handsome Brian O'Gallagher, you took my heart away
When you set your foot upon the ship and sailed that bitter day,
...

There was a wild cry in the night
And one went past,
I knew a soul was faring forth
Upon the blast.
...