"Ireland"

As I end the start of the rest of my life
I thank the luck stars,
that I have you to guide me to
the beginning of my light.

It's kind of hard,
you having wings and all;
you leave me in the dark,
yet catch me when I fall.

I may not have my wings yet,
while yours are shining gold.
Nonetheless, I still bet,
I'll have them by Senior's fold.

I've had a lot of "somethings,"
which you were always there,
to help "drop" into "nothings;"
To help me cope and bear.

I've felt most of your hardships,
as you may have mine.
Ours is the only friendship
I hope to need to find.

Nothing lasts forever,
yet in my heart I dream,
That even if not a lover,
_That_ kinship never reams.

"Ireland" is a word of love to me,
others may not understand,
Yet when they see what you do to me,
They will know "Ireland."

- Joseph H. Hansche
5/26/99