To-day in dreams I stand on Carrickascopal,
On Carrickascopal with its golden crown;
Where Foremass smiles across at Altamuskin –
On either face no shadow of a frown.

Spring now is there; and song and beauty linger
On Carrickascopal, and each sunlit brae
And down the valley where the shining river
Pursues, with graceful curves, its pleasant way.

What dreams I dreamt of yore on Carrickascopal!
A sanguine and enthusiastic boy.
‘Mong dust of dreams and ghosts of vanished visions,
I feel a longing pain and a sad joy.

I know the birds now sing on Carrickascopal;
I know spring now has decked its gorse with gold –
But oh! I know not am I there remembered
By friend or playmate of the days of old.

Michael Mullin
‘The Bard of Foremass’

Foremass Lower, Sixmilecross, Co. Tyrone.