James Ephraim McGirt Poems

I'll not attempt the task
Of the Iliad to relate;
But I will tell of Hector
And how he met his fate.
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God bless our home, land of the free,
And those who rule, who e'er they be;
Protect the flag, and let it wave
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So oft I've read what poets sang of love,
To feel their joy far years in vain I sought;
At last love came, a cooing little dove;
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God bless the sailors brave to-night
Upon the surging sea,
Who're fighting hard against the storm,
Protecting you and me.
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What a balm for the mind the joyous spring,
What fragrant nectar its breezes bring;
How the babbling brook and the birds we hear,
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Think not, my friend, if right be crushed today,
That violent wrong will ever hold the day;
A noble cause aside the kings may toast,
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Two spirits are warring in my breast,
Each for the sway;
And each of me has made request—
Which to obey?
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De peopl' call me a conger,
Jus' caus' I do som' tricks,
An' caus' I got dis lucky black cat bone,
Can gather roots to make tea wit',
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De people call me er kunger,
Jes kase I du sum tricks;
Jes, kase I'se got dis lucky black bone.
Kan't gedder rutes fur tea
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Oh, victorious Queen, it's through thy loyal grace
I bring this wreath—a token from my race;
True, thou art gone, no more on earth to meet;
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