I first wrote this in 2015 as a song, but I’ve redone it today.
*
I’ll cross the sea that lays before me
And swim ashore on foreign land.
There to rest my aching body
With the clover in my hand.
Farewell, my friends and neighbours,
Drink my health and wish me well.
One day perhaps we’ll drink together
On that shore beyond the swell.
Green and yellow call me onwards,
Fly me high and take me far.
Cast my dreams before my journey
Let no memory in me scar.
Blow you wind against the barley,
Sway light your golden ears.
Play the music soft and lowly
Castaway your wretched tears.
Today we drink and not be sober
In this land beyond the sea.
The grave we view is barren and empty,
Because the dream still lives in me.
Dear Mary come you back in summer,
Paint the meadows green with rain.
Warm sun to colour yellow,
Then dig the hole and hide the blame.
Rolling shadows, flowing mountains,
Silent valleys, deepest sea.
Dreams unfolding all before you,
Visions only we can see.
Unfurl the flag, play the pipes.
Soulful melody stills the air.
Until we reach the land that waits us.
Can you see it over there?
Speak thy name and toast thee plenty,
On this Island in the sea!
Sing the songs and shout the glory,
Pray the day when all are free.
Shield the memories in the shadows,
Dig the holes and hide them deep.
Holding hands, best foot forward,
No more nightmares only dream of sleep.
Today together we’ll swim this sea,
And come ashore on welcome land.
There to rest our aching bodies
And clasp the clover in our hand.
© 2019, Daniel Kemp All rights reserved.
About Daniel Kemp
At the age of seventy-six, Daniel Kemp has started his second year of studying the science of Psychology at the Open University. He is a member of The Society of Authors and also a bestselling writer. However, in early September 2025, he was diagnosed with cancer. He is now in palliative care at home, being looked after by his ex-wife. When he was writing his novels, he enjoyed writing stories that appealed to those who liked challenging themselves to solve mysteries that were set out before their eyes, but they couldn't.
His introduction to the world of espionage and mystery happened at an early age when his father was employed by the War Office in Whitehall, London, at the end of WWII. However, it wasn’t until after his father died that he showed any interest in anything other than himself!
On leaving academia he took on many roles in his working life: a London police officer, mini-cab business owner, pub tenant and licensed London taxi driver, but never did he plan to become a writer. Nevertheless, after a road traffic incident left him suffering from PTSD and effectively—out of paid work for four years, he wrote and self-published his first novel —The Desolate Garden.
Within three months of publication, that book was under a paid option to become a $30 million film. The option lasted for six years until distribution became an insurmountable problem for the production company.
All ten of his novels are now published by Next Chapter Publishing Company which has added an edition titled The Heirs And Descendants Collection, which holds all four books of that series, alongside an edition titled The Lies And Consequences Collection which contains all four volumes of that series.
He is the recipient of rave reviews from a prestigious Manhattan publication and described as—the new Graham Green—by a highly placed executive of Waterstones Books, for whom he did a countrywide tour of book signing events. He has also appeared on 'live' television in the UK publicising his first novel.
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Daniel Kemp 
What a beautiful poem, Danny. I am quite overwhelmed by it.
I have some strange haunting memories of Ireland that are impossible for me to forget. Inside I think I’m a romantic and try my best to see only the good in people. Thank you for those words. I’m in a hole at the moment but I’m not sure if I want to climb out quite yet. It’s comfortable in here if you know what I mean.
Well, I hope you climb out soon, Danny. You have fans who are waiting for your next book. Hugs.
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
That’s beautiful. 🙂
I love Ireland and Scotland. So much history buried there.
Unfortunately, nowadays, the term Northern Ireland is synonymous with Brexit block.
Reblogged this on Ed;s Site..
Thank you, edwardky2 🙂
Thank you, Deepa. Yes, I think the ugly word of Brexit is involved over there.
Did you live in Ireland?
I was there for a while, yes.
As someone who lives in Ireland.. I loved it. I might moan about the weather from time to time but as far as being in the heart of the kindest and most welcoming people on the planet.. you cannot beat it…
🙂
That’s true.
Daniel, your poem brings tears to my eyes. It is so very beautiful and if I may so so,
also has soft music in it. It weaves between glory, beauty and sorrows.
“Today we drink and not be sober” .
I have been in Ireland many times and got to love its beauty and people.
Miriam
That’s a very kind reply, delphini, and I thank you for it.