The Poetry Corner

Egan O'Rahilly

By James Stephens

Here in a distant place I hold my tongue; I am O'Rahilly: When I was young, Who now am young no more, I did not eat things picked up from the shore. The periwinkle, and the tough dogfish At even-time have got into my dish! The great, where are they now! the great had said, This is not seemly, bring to him instead That which serves his and serves our dignity, And that was done. I am O'Rahilly: Here in a distant place I hold my tongue, Who once said all his say, when he was young!