Robbie Kilgalen

Robbie Kilgalen, I remember your hair… Black as the night, with your blue eyes so fair. You came around courting each Saturday, Promised we’d wed in the fair month of May. All through winter we’d cozied up side by side, Dreaming of spring when I’d be your bride; But fate had another darker intent… By summer I’d be singing lost lover’s lament. Wild flowers still grow across hill and dale, Fast fading as autumn’s chill winds do wail. Leaves fall from the trees as freely as tears, I still mourn ye Robbie, these many years. Our land it was waiting, our cabin was built, Mam helped with the weaving of wedding kilts. The banns had been read, the chapel reserved… Ours were not the first plans, death had deterred. When the fever came sweeping throughout the land, Many fought their last battle, with trembling hand, Reached out to hold onto life and loved one… But it slipped away slowly, and hearts came undone. Wild flowers still grow across hill and dale, Fast fading as autumn’s chill winds do wail. My love for you Robbie will ne’er subside, Soon I will join you to lay by your side. I cherished the land and I lived in the house, Saved the dress I would have worn as your spouse, And in the same chapel where our banns were read, I’ll lay my head down as last prayers are said. I’ll find you somewhere, come heaven or hell, The land where you went is where I want to dwell. As the blood stains the white dress, I let go the knife, I’m coming to ye Robbie, I would be your wife. Wild flowers still grow across hill and dale, Fast fading as autumn’s chill winds do wail. And so it was, two graves came to pass, Hidden by time, beneath tangled grass. One leaning headstone, a man’s name inscribed With the day he was born and the day that he died, And beside him, at last, there lay his bride… Forever unmarked though, a shamed suicide.all comments and critiques welcomed Written March 27th, 2002 © on Mar 26 2002 11:04 PM PST   0 • 1