Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DEATH LAMENT OF JOHN O'MAHONY, by DOUGLAS HYDE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DEATH LAMENT OF JOHN O'MAHONY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In a foreign land, in a lonesome city
Last Line: And this aged, lonely, and whitening head.
Subject(s): Lament


IN a foreign land, in a lonesome city,
With few to pity, to know, or care,
I sleep each night while my heart is burning,
And wake each morning to new despair.

Let no one venture to ask my story
Who believes in glory or trusts to fame;
Yes! I have within me such demons in keeping
As are better sleeping without a name.

For many a day of blood and horror,
And night of terror, and work of dread,
I have rescued nought but my honour only,
And this aged, lonely, and whitening head.

Not a single hope have I seen fulfilled
For the blood we spilled when we cast the die;
And the future I painted in brightness and pride
Has the present belied, and shall still belie.

In this far-off country, this city dreary,
I languished weary, and sad, and sore,
Till the flower of youth in glooms o'ershaded
Grew seared, and faded for evermore.

Oh my land! from thee driven -- our old flag furled --
I renounced the world when I went from thee;
My heart lingers still on its native strand,
And American land holds nought for me.

Through a long life contriving, hoping, striving,
Driven and driving, leading and led;
I have rescued nought but my honour only
And this aged, lonely, and whitening head.





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