dream lament - Sligo Poets

Sligo Champion 24 January 1914
      THE INMATE’S DREAM.
(Suggested by a concert given in the workhouse)

With song and music in his ear
     Long thinking of past times he lay,
And of wife and children dear
     That cheered his home on Caraun Brae

Bad years and want and sickness tried,
     They, one by one, from him were borne,
And when his loving helpmate died,
     He sought the workhouse, bowed and worn.

To-night to him he dreamt she came,
     (For wearied out at length he dozed)
Appearing wan and worn—the same
     As when in death her eyes he closed.

She said, "Too long alone you’ve mourned
     Come home to us," —and on the way
He thought that by degrees returned
     The beauty of her youthful days.

Their cot was all alight—he found
     No change since with gay children there
They sat the blazing fire around,
     In health and hopes—a happy pair.

He saw each well remembered face,
     All home again though absent long,
And mirth and laughter filled the place,
     With music sweet and gladsome song.

His youngest, dearest, raised a strain,
     Her voice more sweet than e’er before,
And all took up the glad refrain—
     We’ll part no more; we’ll part no more.

……………………………….

The old men lying near him say,
     When murmuring this they thought he stirred,
And after through the dark night lay
     Quite still—without a move or word.
And that when morning cold and gray,
     Stole through the window ’bove his head,
Within the dreary ward he lay,
     A smile upon his features—dead.

                                         J.D.S.
The Workhouse, Tobercurry.

Sligo Champion 28 February 1914
         A Labourer’s Lament

TO THE SLIGO RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

The following rather amusing letter was read by the Clerk from one Ned Jones at the last meeting of the Sligo Rural District Council:—

Gentlemen—In reference to my cottage, for which I have lately been appointed tenant, I made several applications to your Board to have it painted, whitewashed, and disinfected, which is not yet done. I again sincerely apply to have it put in order as soon is possible, as the advent of my wedding is approaching, and, also, this is very cold weather. I might as well be honest; I certainly am heartless, but yet I have courage. If she would but enter—but she declines absolutely to join matrimonial bonds with me until it be put in proper repair—

Now gentlemen, what is the matter?
     Or why are my rights thus denied?
My cottage is not yet in order,
     Tho’ I’m going to take home my bride.

Inside it’s walls she won’t enter—
     She told me that once and for all—
Till my paintings are all put in order,
     And the microbes removed from the wall.

And sure you can’t blame this young maiden,
     With manners and features so fine;
For to shring from that terrible danger,
     That’s locked in this cottage of mine.

Now, gentlemen, just for one moment
     Consider this state of affairs;
I would have the ring on her finger
     If my cottage was but in repair.

My intended has taught me a lesson
     Which cost me some nights on the green;
I wish that she never did listen
     to Honourable Lady Aberdeen.