Back when we, as a nation, first began
Already, as a people, quite dispersed.
The Irish were disparaged to a man,
Considered, on the social scale, the worst.
When common labor beckoned, slaves were sought;
But slave owners said No!, with sullen ring.
“Our slaves are worth more than what you have got!
But Irish—they will work for anything!”
So, through those spiteful years the Irish toiled;
They simply did what they could aptly do.
But work ethics and Irish humor foiled
Disparagement—what they had been put through.
But Irish wit had much to do with this;
They remained true to what they were in heart.
But there’s a point here that we dare not miss;
Their “being absorbed” accepted from the start.
Entitlement or reparations, none!
They let their own traditions run their course.
Today, you’d have to say that they have won!
Indeed, now being Irish is a force!
© Richard Williams