Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE RIVERS, by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS Poet's Biography First Line: There's a far-famed blackwater that runs to loch neagh Last Line: Our strength and delight. Subject(s): Blackwater (river), Ireland | ||||||||
THERE's a far-famed Blackwater that runs to Loch Neagh, There's a fairer Blackwater that runs to the sea, -- The glory of Ulster, The beauty of Munster, These twin rivers be. From the banks of that river Benburb's towers arise; This stream shines as bright as a tear from sweet eyes: This fond as a young bride, That with foeman's blood dyed, -- Both dearly we prize. Deep sunk in that bed is the sword of Monroe, Since 'twixt it and Oonagh he met Owen Roe, And Charlemont's cannon Slew many a man on These meadows below. The shrines of Armagh gleam far over yon lea, Now afar is Dungannon that nursed liberty, And yonder Red Hugh Marshal Bagenal o'erthrew On Beal-an-atha-Buidhe. But far kinder the woodlands of rich Convamore, And more gorgeous the turrets of saintly Lismore; There the stream, like a maiden With love overladen, Pants wild on each shore. Its rocks rise like statues, tall, stately, and fair, And the trees and the flowers and the mountains and air, With woman's soul near you, To share with, and cheer you, Make Paradise there. I would rove by that stream, ere my flag I unrolled; I would fly to these banks my betrothed to enfold, -- The pride of our sire-land, The Eden of Ireland, More precious than gold. May their borders be free from oppression and blight, May their daughters and sons ever fondly unite, -- The glory of Ulster, The beauty of Munster, Our strength and delight. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CLARE'S DRAGOONS by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS FONTENOY by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS LAMENT FOR THE DEATH OF EOGHAN RUADH (OWEN ROE) O'NEIL by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS NATIONALITY by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS THE BOATMAN OF KINSALE by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS THE FLOWER OF FINAE by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS THE SACK OF BALTIMORE by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS THE WELCOME by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS A BALLAD OF FREEDOM by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS A CHRISTMAS SCENE; OR, LOVE IN THE COUNTRY by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS |
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