Though she has lived for many years in and around New York <br />She still talks about Ireland and Millstreet County Cork <br />The Sraid A Mhuilin of her youth her happy youthful day <br />Killarney Road west of Millstreet and northern Claraghatlea. <br /> <br />The old friends are still dear to me that's what Mary H say <br />And memories of my happy youth will never fade away <br />I left for better livelihood and New York's been good to me <br />But there's more to life than financial gain or so 'twould seem to be. <br /> <br />The crime rate in New York is high and human life is taken cheap <br />You lock your doors all day and night and in locked bedroom you sleep <br />You don't venture out after dark too great a chance to take <br />For success and financial gain some sacrifice to make. <br /> <br />Back home in Millstreet County Cork no need to lock the door <br />And no fear of walking darkened road from Millstreet towards Rathmore <br />We left our Homeland Ireland we took the swallow's choice <br />And for higher standard of living we chose to pay the price. <br /> <br />The nostalgia expressed by migrant Irish people by most misunderstood <br />We leave our Homeland Ireland for better livelihood <br />And Mary Helen's words re-echo the thoughts of migrant race <br />The yearning to return again and live in old Homeplace.<br /><br />Francis Duggan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/written-on-receiving-a-letter-from-mary-helen/
