I had a look at my God Bless Ireland poem and I decided to tweak it a little. I just wasn't happy with it and so I am re-posting it with a few changes.

God bless Ireland

In her patchwork dress so green

Her blue Atlantic eyes are smiling

Full of mirth and ancient magic

With lilt and merriment she sings

And tells a tale of years gone by

If you listen long enough

And beg the whole story unfold

Her soft voice will give way

To haunting tunes of grief

Heartache for her children gone

Sorrows past that linger still

Study the face of her history

And see the scar upon her brow

Pray that none arouse the ire

Which just below the surface lies

Like a spark to be ignited

She does not deserve more misery 

Her skies endlessly weep so many heavy tears

For the plight of her sons and daughters

Look deeply into her soul and find

That inside she still hears their cries

This sadness she carries with her

Though through it she beautifully smiles

So keep to the song in her heart

Back to the cloak of emerald

That lies across her slender shoulders

Belying the strength within

With beauty, and spirit still unbroken

The pride of auld Ireland

- Fran Reddy