The Singers and the Dancers
(You shall have singing and dancing enough.’ – Sheriff Francis Lloyd, Limerick, 1798)
Another summer morning on Mathew Bridge,
Another thrush trilling her repertoire
And the same sun dancing on the Shannon
As it surges towards the sea.
A different tune those centuries ago
When singing was the screech of men
Torn by lash, and dancing
Was their dangling from the lantern hoops.
Now another evening on Mathew Bridge,
Another sparrow chirping on the telegraph wire
And the same moon dancing on the Shannon
As it surges towards the sea.
– Tim Cunningham
