Old Clara Mountain Poem by Francis Duggan

Old Clara Mountain from here far away
I have not seen you for many a day
On Duhallow and Sliabh Luachra ever looking down
And on the houses and streets of nearby Millstreet Town

Only memories of what was in me now does last
To the cross on your summit i often climbed in the past
And eat blue whortleberries from your heather in July
When larks up above me were singing in the sky

But going back the Seasons this now seems long ago
And since time that rusts iron has become my foe
Though in distance far you i often does see
When i visualize you come closer to me

Old Clara Mountain so ancient in time
You have been the inspiration of song, story and rhyme
Many ageing migrants of Millstreet remember in tears
That they have not seen you for decades of years

A memory to cherish until death to enjoy
I first climbed to your summit as a young school going boy
And though i may never climb on your steep slopes again
Fond memories of you in me today remain.