One holiday I strolled away
To enjoy an hour or two
The breeze was mild, the landscape smiled;
But weary at last I grew.

Then a house I spied, I stepped inside
But not a one was there
Save an orange cat with a green cravat
Sitting in an easy chair.

God save all here. “You too my dear”
To me up spoke the cat.
“Tis  cheap in a chair as standing there”
So down on a chair I sat.

Said I “Kind cat” – to start a chat,
“Tell me the reason why
A cat like you of an orange hue
Should wear a green necktie”.

With velvet paws she stroked her jaws
And ears before and behind.
“Don’t mind the hues orange green or blues
But how the hearts inclined”.

Then looking wise with half shut eyes
“This isle shall ne’er be free
Till there’s orange and green with white between
From the centre to the sea.”

MICHAEL MULLIN, ‘The Bard of Foremass’
Foremass Lower, Sixmilecross, Co. Tyrone.