(seq. 1)

March, 1950

To a great struggler and one of the truly
magnificent women of our time, Miriam
Van Waters of Framingham, with every warm
wish of Saint Patrick's Day.

EIRE
Land oh land of the troubles,
Land of the haunted ways,
Laughter was with you even
In your worst days;

Bearer of every burden,
Bearer of ancient pain,
Heroes who fought to free you
Fought not in vain,

Strugglers like Robert Emmet,
Princes of Gallows Row--
Many ah many loved you
More than we know;

Angel of Dev and Maudeen,
Angel of Sean McBride,
Still the departed dear ones
Stand at your side,

Berry and Dan O'Connell,
Pearse and impulsive Tone,
Giants from Cork and Galway,
Clare and Athlone;

Land of the Druid chanteys,
Land of the shamrock wreaths,
Heaven and earth are richer
For your bequeaths.

Jim Kerrigan
from State
Prison