Francis Duggan Poems

Most species of birds by chirp, whistle or song
From once familiarized with you cannot get wrong
From Nature their voices in their d n a
This is how it does seem to me anyway
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She was the Rose of Penshurst shy in her ways though kind
A slender dark haired beauty to self promotion uninclined
The likes of her in Penshurst may not be seen for some time
So sad to hear she has died suddenly though still in her life's prime
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One not found to be wanting when he is put to the test
Many times a World Champion he has only fought the best
Fighters in the World in forty plus fights he has never known defeat
In his weight division for a decade of years he is the one to beat
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Leaders like Nelson Mandela have always been few
On saying that i am not saying anything that is new
Those who sinned against him he choose to forgive
He is a role model for live and let live
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Despite many years of absence the memories remain
Of a place i have known that i may not see again
Where in fancy i can hear the silver tongued rill
Babbling to the river down the field by the hill
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Though mine to most here is a stranger's face
I feel sad to be leaving this beautiful place
Where one wakes at daybreak to the shy whip bird's call
Like sound of whip cracking against concrete wall
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Though the difference is vast between people's take home pay
Everyone is good at something it does seem this way
One's annual salary does make some a multi millionaire
'Tis true about life it is not always fair
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I'd be a stranger today in Duhallow that is what old Jimmy says to me
A stranger in Millstreet and Ballydaly in Cullen and in Knocknagree
A stranger in Kiskeam and Newmarket in Meelin and in Boherbue
I used to be well known in Dromtarriffe in Rathcoole and in Derrinagree
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I am only a scribbler of doggerel not even a very minor poet
But it does not bother me in the least that i'll never be one of literary note
I will die as i live just a rhymer though that does not bother me at all
I feel happy with my gifts and blessings though my gifts and blessings are small
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As most politicians do lie with a straight face
In politics trust never takes pride of place
And among political parties the main enemies in the ranks of their own
For loyalty to party colleagues most politicians have never been known
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