The Voice of Éire

To My Father: Dad, this poem is for you. For as long as I can remember, you have spoken of your Irish lineage, and the pride you have in your race. You have sung the songs, told the tales, and spoken the words of your culture. Our home has always proudly displayed trophies of our heritage, and you loved to attend the fairs and celebrations of Celtic tradition. And this love and pride has permeated me as well. I am proud to call myself a son of Éire, as I am proud to call myself your son. I have always loved that which you have loved, and take joy in sharing in the experiences and memories with you.

This poem was written to celebrate not only the land of Ireland, but the culture and history of its people. It celebrates their myth and folklore, just as it celebrates- and mourns- the hardships of their true history. It is an expression of the Gaelic people, and by extension of you and I as well. Finally, it is a call of pride, and a declaration of honor. For while all people are special, few have endured the trials of the Irish, nor do many have as varied and beautiful a culture today. Is breá liom tú, athair. I love you, Father.

The Voice of Éire

 Listen now to the voice of the earth

The voice of the stones that stand alone

The voice of a race that has passed into verse

The voices of kings long ago torn from throne 

The voice of the sea that cries out as it flows

The voice of the seals clad in leathery hide

The voice of tombs older than anyone knows

The voice of the shells tossed ashore with the tide 

The voice of the giants and faeries of old

The voice of the men clad in jackets of green

The voice of great warriors both fair and bold

The voice of an age that no more will be seen

The voice of a folk who know hardship and pain

The voice of a clan that has fought to endure

The voice of those laboring with little gain

The voice of their children whose fate is unsure 

A voice of great sorrow, a voice of great need

But a voice sure and strong singing over the land

A voice that rings out with an eternal creed

And a voice that forever and ever will stand 

Now hark to the call, all ye children of Éire

Hark and unite, stand together as one

Sing, for the dawn of a gentler era

Is rising afar and our time is begun