He was tall and straight and handsome

With a shock of nut-brown hair

He was affable and courteous

Without ambition or care

He had no guile or cunning

He was meek and gentle too

Like the ivy in the woodland

That never changes hue.

He loved his native country

His country he adored

He loved the simple old folk

The travelling people too

He loved their songs and music

Their propensities he knew

They were minor and forgivable

and no harm did they brew.

His gift of phrase was heavenly

As his poetry plainly showed

It came to him spontaneously

And there it was, it glowed:

Like a bright star in the firmament

Where heavens beams are stored

God’s bounty in perfection

Unstintingly bestowed.

God rest you Eddie Bernard

Between the hills and hay

Where your mouldering bones lay deep in tranquillity

Until the final judgment day

When the trumpet will resound

To joyfully assemble in the great eternal fold.

May your presence up in Heaven

Adorn all around

As your allotted seat you take

‘Mid the great celestial crowd

With God himself presiding upon the golden throne

Imparting benediction to the faithful in His home.

Patrick Joseph Griffin, Lisbawn.