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Saturday, March 2, 2019

"Grace"


As we gather in the Chapel, in olde Kilmainham jail
I think about the last few weeks, oh will they say, we failed
From our school days, they have told us, we must yearn for Liberty
Yet all I want in this dark place, is to have you here with me.

Oh Grace, just hold me in your arms and let this moment linger
They'll take me out at dawn, and I will die
With all my Love, I place this wedding ring upon your finger
There won't be time to share our love, so we must say goodbye.

Now I know it's hard for you, my love, to ever understand
The Love I bear for these brave men - my Love for this dear land
But when Padraic called me to his side, down in the G.P.O.
I had to leave my own sick bed - to him I had to go.

Now the dawn is breaking, my heart is breaking, too
On this May morn', as I walk out, my thoughts will be of you
And I'll write some words, upon the walls, so everyone will know
I Loved so much that I could see - His blood upon the rose.

Oh Grace, just hold me in your arms. . .


Sean O'Meara & Frank O'Meara 
 Ireland


~Beannaichte'
2 March, 2019

@beannaichte.twitter.com 

1 comment:

  1. ~ "Grace" was written about Grace Gifford, of Ireland. She was the childhood sweetheart, and for a very short time, the wife of Joseph Mary Plunkett. Also, of Ireland. Joseph was a Poet and a Patriot. He was the youngest signatory of the Proclamation of 1916. As such, he was sentenced to death, along with other Rebels. He was shot in Kilmainham jail, in Dublin, on 4 May, 1916, in the early hours of the morning. Seven hours, before he was shot, Grace Gifford and a Priest, were brought into Kilmainham. In a small Chapel, inside the jail, Joseph Plunkett and Grace were joined as husband and wife. They were allowed about fifteen minutes together, under supervision, after the ceremony. - These minutes were all the married life they would share. If you ever visit Kilmainham jail, there is a small placque, to the right of the Alter, commemorating their marriage. Though she was young, Grace would never remarry. She died in 1969, whilst living with two other older women, in Dublin. Though this is a very sad song, and story; it remains a vital part of Irish History and her people - being kept alive by Grace (Gifford) Plunkett, until her death in 1969, and beyond...
    ~ Beannaichte'
    Alicia O'Hara

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