Francis Duggan

At this stage of my existence i do not need an enemy
To be a better person is all i wish to be
What i dislike in others in my own self i see
My better days behind me old age ahead of me.

When i was in my young years i daydreamed of wealth and renown
In Claraghatlea my home Townland just out of Millstreet Town
But i was young and foolish then in hindsight i recall
And i only wish to be a better person now and a fair go for all.

In Spring in the grove by the old stream the robin sang all day
And under the house eaves the sparrows built their straggly nest of hay
And the hawthorns looked resplendent in their white blooms of the May
And i daydreamed of wealth and fame in places far away.

At this stage of my existence i do not yearn for wealth and fame
And when I'm gone mine will be just one more forgotten name
And what matter if i die tomorrow or live to eighty four
I want to live as a better person just that and nothing more.