Classic Poem

Anna Liffey drowses beside the shining weir,
The merry river passes, singing all the day.
The beeches bend to catch her. " Why must you go, my dear?
You gleaming, lovely Liffey, so beryl-bright and clear. "
But still they never hold her. She always slides away,
Singing, singing, singing as she turns the wheel,
" God be with the miller, God be with the mill,
God be with the people who have their bins to fill,
And God be with the sorry folk who hunger for a meal. "

Anna Liffey drowses with windows open wide,
Great beeches stand as sentries on guard at either side.
The heron is watching where the shallows run,
The kingfisher passes, a jewel in the sun.
All day the river murmurs — " Peace within the hall,
Peace upon the threshold, peace inside the house,
Peace upon the sunning cat and on the busy mouse.
Peace upon the garden and on the basking wall,
The heavy-laden fruit trees, the low humming hives,
Peace upon the barnyard, the red cock and his wives.
That God may smile upon you here and give His peace to all. "