<h2><SPAN name="chap69"></SPAN>IN MEMORIAM: FRANCIS LEDWIDGE<br/> (Killed in action, July 31, 1917)<br/> </h2>
<p class="poem">
Soldier and singer of Erin,<br/>
What may I fashion for thee?<br/>
What garland of words or of flowers?<br/>
Singer of sunlight and showers,<br/>
The wind on the lea;<br/>
<br/>
Of clouds, and the houses of Erin,<br/>
Wee cabins, white on the plain,<br/>
And bright with the colours of even,<br/>
Beauty of earth and of heaven<br/>
Outspread beyond Slane!<br/>
<br/>
Slane, where the Easter of Patrick<br/>
Flamed on the night of the Gael,<br/>
Guard both the honor and story<br/>
Of him who has died for the glory<br/>
That crowns Innisfail.<br/>
<br/>
Soldier of right and of freedom,<br/>
I offer thee song and not tears.<br/>
With Brian, and Red Hugh O’Donnell,<br/>
The chiefs of Tyrone and Tryconnell,<br/>
Live on through the years!<br/></p>
<p class="left">
NORREYS JEPHSON O’CONOR</p>
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