Thinkin’ Long

Anna MacManus (Ethna Carbery) (1866–1902)

OH thinkin’ long ’s the weary work!

It breaks my heart from dawn

Till all the wee, wee, friendly stars

Come out at dayli’gone.

An’ thinkin’ long ’s the weary work,

When I must spin and spin,

To drive the fearsome fancies out,

An’ hold the hopeful in!

Ah, sure my lad is far away!

My lad who left our glen

When from the soul of Ireland came

A call for fightin’ men;

I miss his gray eyes glancin’ bright,

I miss his liltin’ song,

And that is why, the lonesome day,

I ’m always thinkin’ long.

May God’s kind angels guard him

When the fray is fierce and grim,

And blunt the point of every sword

That turns its hate on him,

Where round the torn yet dear green flag

The brave and lovin’ throng—

But the lasses of Glenwherry smile

At me for thinkin’ long.