A Migrant's New Year Poem by Francis Duggan

She sees the old mountains in their hats of snow
And she sees and hears the old stream babbling by the hedgerow
And though the old fields to her thoughts remain dear
She will not be going home to welcome in the New Year.

The New Year revellers drink and sing in the pubs in the town
And along the Main Street the band plays up and down
But in a far City she works hard for her pay
As a waitress in a busy restaurant on the eve of New Year's Day.

At this time of year migrant thoughts go to far away
And no friends like old friends some are known to say
And though living distant from their home community
In fancy they visit friends and family.

A beautiful hard working young migrant with warmth in her smile
Untainted by conceit and a stranger to guile
She smiles at the customers as she serves them food, wine and beer
In a big City restaurant on the eve of the New Year.