Fear says tis folly still to try
Despair advises me to yield
But “No surrender” I reply
I will not quit the battlefield.

For Hope high on the mountain top
Serenly points towards the dawn
And Courage whispers “Don’t give up”
And Perseverance cried “Keep on!”

Soul-weary plodding up the slopes
(Far stars I glimpse thro’ mist and rain)
Heart-heavy with frustrated hopes,
I stumble, fall and rise again.

Still I am master of my mind
And of my soul I’m captain still
My “No surrender”, on the wind
Proclaims my progress up the hill.

I am not yet a ship in tow
Depending on another’s aid
Crippled, but still I’m fit to go
Off beaten but still undismayed.

Fear says ‘tis vain again to try
‘Give up’ Despair advises me
But “No Surrender” I reply
A coward I will never be.

For Hope high on her mountain top
Smiles with the glowing smile of dawn
And courage counsels “Don’ give up”
Cries Pereseverence Carry on”.

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

Fotenote by P.D:
Those of you who are of the Bard and Jack family know that we are somewhat steadfast and those of you who know us would probably say we are THICK.  My father in this poem puts these sentiments into verse with meter and rhyming.  Its called ‘No Surrender’.