Where Are They Now Poem by Francis Duggan

Where are they now those young ladies I used to know
My friends from just a few short years ago
They used to visit me at Claraghatlea
When I lived there in not too distant day.

Each time they came a rhyme for them I'd write
Which helped in no small way to make their night
And I felt glad to welcome them each time
And what better way to let them know than rhyme.

They called on me three times or maybe four
And I knew them for awhile and then no more
I needed them for friendship that was all
And I missed their visits I can well recall.

Joan Cotter such a nice person to meet
I wonder does she still live near Millstreet
Or has she gone to live on foreign shore
As many of the Irish did before?

The Dinneen sisters Carmel and Elaine
Good memories of them with me will remain
Did they leave Knocknapogue by Millstreet Town
For big city to live and settle down?

And what of Terrace lady Valerie Rea
A special girl in her own special way
Does she still live in Millstreet or did she
Like many others travel over sea?

And Sheila Reardon the quiet spoken one
A lovely girl for goodness next to none
Does she now live in Dublin or in Cork
Or further from home London or New York?

Where are they now those girls I used to know
My friends from just a few short years ago
Do they still live in Millstreet or have they
Gone to live in big cities far away?