AN ULSTER EMIGRANT

Twas on a bright May morning
In the year 1952
I left my home in Antrim
A new life to pursue
My dear old mother she stood there
A teardrop in her eye
To leave almost broke my heart
A new life I had to try
The work was scarce and times were hared
Money was in short supply
So I packed all my possessions
To my friends I said, “Good-bye”
From Belfast harbour I set sail
My heart was sad and sore
To leave my native land behind
For a far off distant shore
I stood on deck and slowly watched
The coastland disappear
And when it all had vanished
I shed a silent tear
When my destination I had reached
I was weary tired and worn
No one to share my troubles with
I was really on my own
My first job was a farm hand
I worked from dawn till dusk
I had made my own decision now
And hard work was a must
My mother often wondered
How I was getting on
She always prayed to God above
To keep her darling son
The years passed by and soon I knew
That this life was not for me
But I couldn’t forget my dear old home
And all my family
I often sat and wondered
About my life serene
When you read this little poem
You’ll know just who I mean

Nan Anderson, July 1995