Poem Of The Week. 'In Defence Of An Ancient City' by Dominic Taylor

In Defence Of An Ancient City

It’s not that bad this city they call stab
In fact it’s quite all right
It’s not as it’s portrayed as savage and depraved
It’s not a city of the night

A thousand years we’ve cried a thousand tears
Besieged by sword, fire and cannon
But now a bitter day has dawned our reputation pawned
Will our dreams and hopes flow down the Shannon?

With rage I write for critics who slight
This river city built so strong and fair
For the weary trod and send their prayers to God
Thankful for the gift of our sweet air

I’ve travelled far and suffered deep this scar
So now I will not let it be said
That this sacred place is desolate and base
It’s not a place where faith and hope are dead

So proclaim aloud of what we are so proud
Let the word be upon every breath
The sun it shines we live in changing times
But this is not a city embraced by death

We are many the few, what right if any
How dare they try and take away our pride
So raise your heart let no one stand apart
Remember Sarsfield and his famous ride

This city stands famed in foreign lands
Oh, how my heart it bleeds with anguish
But all this woe shall make us strong and grow
In shame or in self-pity we won’t languish

For no Dante’s hell no mournful tolling bell
Its not a city hope has left behind
For it is certain divine intervention
Shall scatter all our enemies to the wind

The candles burn the night has had its turn
Its time for light to enter every soul
Then we will find the strength to bind
Let truth and hope and justice take control

For hidden deep inside there lies asleep
A stronger will than those who seek to rule
By knife and gun God knows our day will come
No longer shall we suffer ridicule

So have no fear this place is not austere
In heavens firmament our star it shines
With eyes of fire it satiates our desire
For all the things on Earth are here sublime

And now rejoice sing out, we have no choice
Sing loud; sing to the whole worldwide
No finer ground in Ireland can be found
Than Limerick, down by the Shannon side

Dominic Taylor

The above poem is published today in a new anthology of ballad poems from Kerry publishers, Doghouse. For information on where you can purchase the anthology contact Noel King at doghouse312@eircom.net