Where The Angels Are

In the shadowed embrace of that slope, just beyond the mountain’s crest, rests my dearest love, where morning’s splendor adorns her in its best. As the sun ignites the skies with its golden hue, my sorrows echo in the call that has carried her afar, to join the joyous hosts wherever angels may be.

Her heart was ever true and tender, a haven for joy to reside. To the weary spirit, her kind words were a solace by its side. With blessings abundant, she left this world, casting aside earthly cares, ascending to happiness, where the realm of angels shares.

Beside her grave, I tread weeping paths, when my heart is ailing and worn. And the melody of my musings, to Knockfierna’s heights is borne. Carried on the wings of valley echoes or the distant banshee’s cry, a message for my beloved departed, where angels reside on high.

Shaun Magee, the piper, your tunes once sparked the revelry’s delight. Felix Goggin’s pipes and merry songs, now faded from our sight. Cauth and Maura’s graceful dances, now distant as a star, have joined my love’s sweet company, where angels and souls align.

Tonight, in the glow of the yule log’s fire, I find myself alone, yearning for the past’s joys and embracing sorrows overflown. Yet, in the realm where my true love dwells, perhaps her blessing stretches far, a sympathetic gaze reaching me from where the angels are.

—Jonas O’Recay
Adare, County Limerick, December, 1905

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 12 December 1905