I Thought Claraghatlea Poem by Francis Duggan

I thought Claraghatlea was a memory of what was and what used to be
But Claraghatea it did not leave today it is living in me
Though today I feel I would be a stranger to many where old Clara Mountain looks down
On the countryside of Duhallow and Sliabh Luachra and the fields bordering Millstreet Town

Claraghatlea a place I often visit when in the mood to visualize
For me to think I would forget it on my behalf not very wise
It was the place of my younger years and where I first saw light of day
Though my life's journey did take me far south andfrom there I do live far away

Some people do query my accent and where do you hail from they say
I tell them Millstreet in Duhallow though there I did not choose for to stay
Today I may well be a stranger to many people in Millstreet Town
And Claraghatlea of my physical prime years where I lived when my hair was light brown

Perhaps I may never again see Duhallow or the countryside west of Millstreet
But the old fields bring me back great memories of where the ever clear waterways meet
I thought Claragatlea was a lost memory of what was and what used to be
But Claraghatlea it did not leave me today it is living me.