With Words J J Callanan

Far from Cork in Portugal his last remains do lay With words J J Callanan was one who had a way His poems have long outlived him and are widely read today What is great does stand the test of time as the wise one does say Gougane Barra and The Convict Of Clonmel live as memories to his name And the Recluse Of Inchydoney and The Outlaw Of Lough Lene do have a widespread fame And though he did not live to a great age he died as rather young Today his poems are widely read and his songs are often sung It can be said of Callanan that he wrote in perfect rhyme His literary works were born of genius and have withstood the test of time He left Ireland for health reasons Winters there for him too wet and cold But in Portugal he died young he was not meant to grow old In Ireland J J Callanan remains as one of literary note And it truly can be said of him that he was a marvelous poet Since he left Ireland for Portugal near two centuries in time has gone But the beauty in his short life he created today is living on.