Returning To Ireland Poem by michael Smajda

If I ever go back to Ireland,
One of the first things I would do
Is visit the place of my birth
And, nearby, cemetery, too.
Here, I would honor my parents
Who, somehow, knew my destiny,
Watched me sail off from Galway Bay
To America cross the sea.

Next, I'd like to spend much time
With locals, no matter their life,
Learn their secret of happiness
Despite scars from past years of strife.
And where there might be an Irish pub
And traditional music is played,
I'd treasure each Guinness I drank,
Toasting till the last toast is made.

Lastly, before I did leave the Isle,
I'd like to bus its countryside,
Tour pass moors and Lady-like Lakes,
Glens where sheep, in peace, reside.
And also make it my mission
To prove, in Ireland, I've been seen-
Have a photo of me taken
With Ireland's many shades of green.