The Shamrock and The Thistle

Raise a glass of your favorite moonshine to the Scots-Irish. Dye it green, if you like!

My family hailed from Ulster town

Where harp and bagpipe wed

They crossed the ocean wide and blue

To find new hills to tread

 

They were farmers, they were singers

They were Highland warriors true

And they squeezed the corn and barley

By the light of each new moon

 

They carved out homes on hillsides

Beneath oaks and maples golden

And lived their life by one strict rule

To no man be beholden

 

They were rebels staunch and sturdy

No king would they obey

Then they were rebels once again

In uniforms of grey

 

They dug they coal, they chopped the trees

Their skills and crafts perfected

Through denigration and defeat

Their faith in God reflected

 

Now my generation

Walk these same hills and stands

We sing the songs and plant the seeds

Brought from that distant land

 

So on this St. Patrick’s Day

A different breed presides

The Shamrock and The Thistle

The root of Southern pride

 

-Zoe Richardson (2022)

 

 

 

Author's Note

The Scots-Irish are breed unto themselves. Small wonder we headed for the hills and never came down!

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This is so blasted fantastic that I'm just sitting here grinning from ear to ear. Scot/Irish here as well and my great grandfather fought under Robert E. Lee with the Army of Northern Virginia. He was shot in the throat and head with mini balls at the Battle of the North Anna on the North Anna River. General Lee was watching the battle from a nearby post and a shell actually hit the building he was in but he came out unscathed. Anyway, they patched great grandad up after he had lain in the "creek" all night near death. They put a silver plate in his head and he lived to the ripe old age of 84 and fathered 14 sons and daughters, one of which was my grandpa. Cheers from the Appalachians!

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you so much! I had great greats that fought for the Confederacy. One was taken captive at the battle of Missionary Ridge. One disappeared sometime during the war, but it was never known if he died or just took the opportunity to skedaddle. And there was one traitor who fought for the Union. Not surprisingly no one knew about that one until geneological research revealed his nefarious deeds.The most colorful member of my clan, however, was my great-grandfather, John Benjamin Mealer, who was most famously known for saying, "It's a sin to buy bread when there's no whiskey in the house." Someday I am going to stitch that into a sampler and hang it on my wall.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

HA! I love it! But you might need that bread to absorb some of that whiskey. :)

[Zoe Richardson]

Good point!

[Tom]

This fine flowing poem brimming with homeland tradition, and being a true blue Ulsterman myself and can so relate to the stoic character, mannerisms of the folk depicted and there prevailing traveling to green fields so much father across the mighty Atlantic ocean!! Beautifully Penned

[Zoe Richardson]

We are what can only be described as 'stubborn and difficult.' But I'm sure you don't need to be told that. I am so glad you decided to pay a call and leave your comments. You are most welcome here!

[poetgurl]

I am Scot-Irish, Dutch and German, I really enjoyed this write, wonderfully written

[Zoe Richardson]

I probably have some other ethnicity in there somewhere but DNA tests haven't found it yet. I am so glad you enjoyed this! Please don't be a stranger.

[poetgurl]

oh but I like being a stranger! LOL
I will surely read more soon.

[Robert Haigh]

I am part Scottish, but as far as I know I have no Irish roots. I would be willing to be an honorary Irishman on St. Patrick's Day! A well written and enjoyable piece!

[Zoe Richardson]

In the mountains of the Southeastern US, the Scots-Irish abound. We are a contrary people, clannish and cunning and suspicious of outsiders. Did I mention rebellious? We are often overlooked as a cultural group but we've made great contributions. Give me time and I'll think of one!

[S.zaynab.kamoonpury]

Wow a patriotic fab poem of Irish and scott blend townsfolk . Loved the poetic hard working country life, depicted superbly in words. Kudos and write on!


Plz check out my two newest poems and also pleez comment on one of those two that you wish to. Thanks,

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you! Your kind words are a balm to the soul.

[M. J. Smith]

Irish pride... Faith and 'tis a fine thing. Well written, my Bonny lass.

[Zoe Richardson]

'Tis that! I always think of my ancestors when I listen to The Hills of Connemara. That song pretty much says it all.