The Autumn Of My Life

The faded autumn hues of summer's brilliant colours
Surround me as I walk among the shimmering heath and heather.
I scan for horizon where blue sea meets and kisses the mountain.
Where ships and yachts and sailing boats play gracefully together.

I sit beside the place the Rocky Road joins the town and Carhan River together.
 Inspecting woodcock, pheasant, grouse; their plumage, gay as ever.
The silver birch and copper beech, the mountain ash;
They charm the quiet and peaceful scene as the season gently ebbs and flows.

 Enchanting scenes of Oisin's hills with silver lakes and sleepy river.
The bracken groves and sitka spruce guard against the weather.
 Shadowed mountains black with sparkling rock, they'll go to sleep.
 Great bastions strong, both watch unfettered.

I feel as if I were a King, with stories of gold and treasure so rich, to challenge Rome.
The bells sing distantly and I stroll in carefree joy and leisure.
I praise the day I came to grow in Kerry's seventh heaven
With the friends, I know, all loyal and true,
 I hope I'll live to eighty seven.

Patrick Joseph Griffin, Lisbawn