Robert Sheridan - The Luck of the Irish

A famine, then its aftermath
Happened between ’45 & ‘51
Caused initially by a spud blight
One potato, two potato, three potato more.

Primary food source sacrificed
Deadly effect on the Irish population
Famine related diseases – over one million died
One potato, two potato, three potato more.

Another one million living headed for other shores
Culture & origins changed forever
Long-term negative effects on Irish traditions
One potato, two potato, three potato more.

First came dependency, then subdivisions
Followed by starvation & evictions
Least we forget food exports, charity, & rebellion
One potato, two potato, three potato more.

Also, overreaction – government opinion
No desire to keep the family farm
“I’m not growing cereal crops & linen”
One potato, two potato, three potato more.

All ended with a new generations right of passage
Wanted to start a new life in a new land
“Let’s see – little money, darkened city dwellers, yeah right! ”
One potato, two potato, three potato more...


‘2007’

Robert Sheridan

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-luck-of-the-irish/