William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

A GORTA MOR – THE GREAT HUNGER

Back In Eighteen Hundred and Forty Seven
Many of my people they went to heaven.
Irishmen suffered and millions did mourn.
The Crown’s Trevelyan had stolen the corn.

My great grandpa McCaffrey left aboard ship.
He crossed the Atlantic, ‘twas a terrible trip.
Mom’s from a catholic family, she lived on a farm.
Brought up on the tales of the great hunger’s harm.

Salt pork and potatoes was a real Irish Dinner.
You ate all on your plate or be branded a sinner.
We prayed for the starving, each night with the beads.
Sending money to Irish nuns for their starvation needs.

I guess that’s the reason that we now tend to be fat?
Our history of starvation, perhaps it caused that?
We still support famine in the Sub Saharan drought.
It’s because of our history – with that I’ve no doubt.