Sliding along the River of Time
As we go day by day.
A laugh or the lilt of a merry rhyme
Will help to brighten the way.

But when the River is wild and rough,
And dangerous and dark,
Enough it seems and more than enough.
To pilot our fragile bark.

These are the critical times of test:
The coward will cringe and doubt –
But strong stout hearts will be at their best
When all seems down and out.

Tis easy to sing when trouble free;
Tis easy a smile to wear;
Tis easy an optimist to be
When all is smooth and fair.

But here’s to the gallant lad who goes
With a lilt and smile along,
When the blizzard of misfortune blows
And everything seems wrong.

MICHAEL MULLIN, ‘The Bard of Foremass’,
Foremass Lower, Sixmilecross, Co. Tyrone.
Sent 28 Jan ‘47