IRISH CRADLE
BY
BARBARA WALSH TATRO


It rocked us easy through the night
In comfort, warmth, and ancient sight,
Giving us dreams of parents flight
Resting us till early light.

We grew on tea and soda bread,
Colcanon at times the nightly spread.
Table talk of troubled times
That mom and dad left behind.

With them came their lullaby's
Their lilting voice in whisper size
Telling us of our Irish pride.

Southie Town is where we grew
In-between the darkened hue
And creed and doctrine, as babies knew.

The grape and faith walked hand in hand,
Our thoughts and heart of a land
Carved deep within tradition's band,
While Erie's waters stained our hands.

Now in thought and memories past
We feel the cradle rocking fast,
It's easy sway so far behind
Our view muddled, peat bog blind.

But the lilting voice, in whisper sound,
That sheltered cradles in Southie town
Did not need and eye to hear
Just a heart free from fear
Planted and watered by Irish tears.