Thousands Are Sailing

It is the month of September

in the year 1866

an english gentleman Edwin war

who was traveling through the north of Ireland

road home to his family

I was at the Baleny station the other day

when I saw a distressing scene

a company of start young peasants were leaving by the train for Londonderry

from where they were to take shipping for America

The whole platform was crowded with their friends and relatives

all simple rustic folk

Form hooray headed age leaning upon the staff

to the unconscious infant crowing in his mather’s arms

The parting scene was painfully tarting.

Every eye was drowned in tears

and wild unrestrained cries of affection

as they embraced each other again and again

moved even the porters

to whom such scenes were familiar.

As the train began to move slowly away

2 or 3 of those upon the platform clung

screaming to the carriage stores

until dragged away

And amongst the wild out cry that rows who were left behind

One poor woman fell back

upon the seat against the wall

wailing

oh my darling my darling

Whilst an old white headed man hard by

dropped down on his knees

with up lifted arms cried

oh may the hand of bliss of god be about thee

my own son