1 "Romantic Ireland's dead and gone, <br />2 It's with O'Leary in the grave." <br />3 Then, Yeats, what gave that Easter dawn <br />4 A hue so radiantly brave? <br /> <br />5 There was a rain of blood that day, <br />6 Red rain in gay blue April weather. <br />7 It blessed the earth till it gave birth <br />8 To valour thick as blooms of heather. <br /> <br />9 Romantic Ireland never dies! <br />10 O'Leary lies in fertile ground, <br />11 And songs and spears throughout the years <br />12 Rise up where patriot graves are found. <br /> <br />13 Immortal patriots newly dead <br />14 And ye that bled in bygone years, <br />15 What banners rise before your eyes? <br />16 What is the tune that greets your ears? <br /> <br />17 The young Republic's banners smile <br />18 For many a mile where troops convene. <br />19 O'Connell street is loudly sweet <br />20 With strains of Wearing of the Green. <br /> <br />21 The soil of Ireland throbs and glows <br />22 With life that knows the hour is here <br />23 To strike again like Irishmen <br />24 For that which Irishmen hold dear. <br /> <br />25 Lord Edward leaves his resting place <br />26 And Sarsfield's face is glad and fierce. <br />27 See Emmet leap from troubled sleep <br />28 To grasp the hand of Padraic Pearse! <br /> <br />29 There is no rope can strangle song <br />30 And not for long death takes his toll. <br />31 No prison bars can dim the stars <br />32 Nor quicklime eat the living soul. <br /> <br />33 Romantic Ireland is not old. <br />34 For years untold her youth shall shine. <br />35 Her heart is fed on Heavenly bread, <br />36 The blood of martyrs is her wine.<br /><br />Joyce Kilmer<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/easter-week-2/
