Press play before reading. Salute.
(A reflective voice whispers)
I met my own Aphrodite just once
So long ago in my youth
When emotions were raw and always appeared
So unpolished or uncouth
We met by the blue sea
In distant lands
Dancing to music played by passing Northern bands
In good old County Donegal
The land of Kings
We twirled and danced some wild and merry jigs
We kissed so deep
Looking into eyes of each other
Underneath the Blarney Stone
And stumbled when we parted
Like drunk spellbound lovers
To our homes
Now I'm seventy-five
Patiently
Living on my own
I still look for her instead
Through joyous and spirited recollections
From when we were once wed
To memories of that beloved Blarney Stone
A magical place we once kissed
Before we went home
When the world was all ours
As we laughed and danced
When everything seemed to happen
As if ordained by long-lost chance
When we sat like long-lost lovers on green hills
And counted the twinkling watching stars and our blessings
When no one was ill
When life revolved around joyous songs and dance
But now I am old and grey
And as I tend your grave
I know we'll always be together again
For death can never break loves golden chains
I pray soon
To hear the Northern bands
Play once more
As I open up Heaven's
Great silvery doors
To find a new place waiting
Where happiness costs
Nothing at all
To be young again
In beautiful old Donegal
Our new lands of but one King
To finally embrace
Kiss and sing
Underneath that new Blarney Stone
Simply to be together for eternity
And call that new place home
With you
My beloved Aibreann
My Irish Lover
The only woman I loved
As much as my mother
(C)
Copyright John Duffy