Francis Duggan Poems

It's only six to seven miles I've walked that far before
From Millstreet to the Kerry border by the Town of Rathmore
And though to some six miles may seem a long walk to a person young and strong
A six miles jog is easy the distance doesn't seem long.
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Through Tipperary's Thurles Town
Of hurling glory and renown
Towards Semple park I trod my way
On Munster semi final day.
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We are at the point in history where might gives right to rule
And those with power as we well know have always been so cruel
And who should have or not have nuclear weapons not for the powerful to decide
As all such weapons ought to be banned, dismantled and destroyed.
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How come all living things must die?
Please don't ask me I don't know why
Little babes are born each day
Whilst older people pass away.
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Rich green fields stretch on either side of the Blackwater
Grazed on by cattle fit for slaughter
Dark brown waters flows slowly along
And orange breasted robin carols his song.
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The chaffinches were singing, the buttercups in bloom
On green banks of the Sullane that flows down through Macroom
But many years have come and gone since Johnny went away
In June in nineteen sixty five I'm quoting what he say.
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A favour paid deserves a favour in return it would be fair to say
And if you support a political party who have helped you in some way
Then you are only paying your debt off but what is beyond me to explain
How anyone can support a political party just for love and not for gain?
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We spent many happy evenings in the Buninyong Crown Hotel
And we laughed and we made merry as memory serves me well
And we spent our money freely and we drank our merry fill
And we left some of our wages in Ron and Heather's till.
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Oh bullfinch bird unfettered wild and free
Piping on branch of leafy alder tree
Lit by the bright and warming sun of May
You do seem happy on this pleasant day
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Glen Forbes in the high country ten kilometres from the sea
A place of natural beauty and of marvellous scenery
With houses in the valley and brown hills all around
Amongst the high country of South Gippsland such beauty to be found.
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