The American Celt Poem by Daniel McDonagh

My father, he said, we were moving away
To make our home in the U S of A,
I cried in my sleep & I cried in my dreams
No more would I see the bhoys in emerald green.

I travelled to Parkhead for the very last time
Saw goals that were scored by a hero of mine,
No more would I see the skills of Joe McBride,
For New York’s, not home, to the Hoops of green & white.

I said goodbye to Glasgow, the home of my heart
Said farewell with sadness to old Celtic Park,
I said goodbye to friends, we shared a tear & a laugh
As I started my journey, wearing my green & white scarf.

On the sidewalks of New York, I would wander,
Through the streets of Broadway and onto Times Square,
Whistling to myself, familiar Celtic tunes,
Wishing I was back at Parkhead every Saturday afternoon.

On the weekends I’d travel to the Dublin House pub
Tell stories; sing songs, of the Celtic Football Club,
With the Irish Americans and the Glasgow exiles
We’d talk of the Celtic with tears in our eyes.

It’s been 39 years since I left Glasgow Town
I married a girl, who hailed from County Down,
I wander around Kearny in my green & white strip,
My passion’s still strong for the famous Glasgow Celtic.

Nov’4th 2005