Fergal Poetry (5)

I walk among the hills of Wicklow
and wander her valleys so green
the sites of ancient battles
etched in stones to be seen.


no matter what lands I wander
There is none to compare
to the vale of Glenmalur
with the little river flowing there.

It sweeps and flows down from the mountain
Like threads of spidery lace
It weaves its way along the valley
as I walk, I feel its mist upon my face.

I follow it from ford to inn
Where I stop to eat within
I sit and watch, families come and go
But I the watcher, dream of ancient foe.


Arise Irishmen and throw the invaders out
Fighting Dwyer and his band so shout
Were badly beaten in the rout
And had to hide in brush about

In Glenmalur they hid so well
Among the hills and in the dell
Fighting for Ireland free
Dwyer’s band for all to see



Led the English a merry dance
Dwyer’s band never lost there chance
To fight the foe and then romance
The local lassies at the crossroads dance




1804 and surrender agreed
Michael Dwyer and band were freed
Dishonourable England did negate
Botany bay and penal servitude did await.


Oh vale of Glenmalur with stories you abound
I hear them in my head, as you I walk around
Majestic mountains, river and the brook
of Drumgoff barracks! of you, i could write a book.

Glenmalur the fairest of the vales
I will visit, once more to hear your tales
Mountain, little river and the brook
Glenmalur I long for and never will forsook.

Cork, Donegal, Dublin or Kildare.
Who’s on Face book that I can snare.
Go on girl’s ye might get some joy.
I’ll take ye on for I’m the boy.

Face Book friends far and wide.
From me and my remarks ye can not hide.
You hit on me an i will hit on you.
My smart remarks will turn ye blue.

The yanks when they come on late at night.
Will soon retreat before they get a fright.
Yankee girls know how to drink an talk.
But when Fergel comes on, they do baulk.

Cork wan’s have a lot to say.
They be better off taking in the hay.
The girls from Cork roar an shout.
Corks the best ya motor mouth.

Donegal is the best some friends do say.
Hill walking, Glen Columcille an Glen bay.
Rortys bar is the best by far.
Cráic, roaring fire and an ever open bar.

Face Book friends from far an wide.
Head to the Porto with nothing to hide.
Washed an scrubbed from head to toe.
When its over they don’t want to go.

The Porto is the place to be.
With Tina, showing a bit of knee.
The AF girls all looking there best.
Ah those Dublin girls, pass the test

I shall never forget you
Nor will your memory ever be free of me
For your arms are my home
And my arms are the circle you cannot leave
However far, far away you may be.

As I sit here at my desk, I dream of Glenmalur
And one day again I will walk that vale, of that I am sure.
Oh to walk among Wicklow’s mountains with its glistening vales.
And to walk along river banks, listening to there tales.

I stroll along a river bank with a woman I like to hold,
Here we come to a river ford and the scene unfolds
And my dream is of my woman and to take her to my fold
Will I ask her, oh could I ever, be so bold.

We walk along the glen, arm in arm we go,
And as we stop to kiss, caution to the wind we throw,
I drink her scent and watch her face aglow,
And there in Glenmalur I fell in love, long, long ago.

Oh no sighs, nor do weep
These waters green run so deep

Oh how slowly it doth sail
A ship with woman pressed against its rail

Do not sigh as you gaze the sky
Nor to long before our day is nigh

Green water’s that so softly flow
Lift my heart that is so low

Bring to me my true love please
Softly flowing on the breeze

Softy, softly come to me
The woman I want, need to see

Oh woman who I so need
come to me, so my heart can feed.