Deep in life's lonely evening,
With shades of darkness closing,
When Nature seemed to be asleep,
Deep in the woods reposing,
Stand still the pulse of father time
For three score years and more,
Then wander down a narrow lane
with memories of yore.
But little changed the landscape,
Or Mountain, Hill and Sea,
Days pass into years that fly
Just like it used to be,
Upon the shore the little sands,
Change with the sweeping tide,
Every hour brings something new
With storms far and wide.
Faithful down the winging years
Unto life's sweetness cling,
As ripe and aged are borne away,
New lives eternal spring.
Many a comrade loyal and true,
with great and noble heart,
have made me happy for a time
Then all from me depart.
Methinks upon the greenwood now,
With barefoot palls and jolly,
Many a Christmas tree we cut
And many a rope of holly,
Many an idle prank we played
All through the twilight long,
Many a penny show we staged
With many an Irish Song.
There was the Plum-Cake steaming,
In the old Pot-Oven made,
Bright the turf beneath it burned
And brighter on the lid,
The fat Goose it made the broth,
With Onions, Spice and Barley,
Stocking stuffed upon the Hob
On Christmas morning early.
Oh Bless our loving Parents,
In our happy childhood years,
Who toiled and planned the way
Through Sunshine, Storm and Tears.
Oh Bless those happy children then
Bless their descendents now,
Sweet everlasting memory
Of Christmas long ago.
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