THE BLARNEY STANE
THE BLARNEY STANE Hae iver ye hearad o’ the Blarney Stane? There, noo, my freens, don’t laugh. For it’s magic spell might knock ye stiff If ye gibe wae useless chaff. It’s true enough the stane’s a right, Bigget up in a wall; And if ye want the gift o’ the gabe Tae it ye […]
THE BOARD OF GUARDIANS AND THE LOCAL PRESS
THE BOARD OF GUARDIANS AND THE LOCAL PRESS Attention wanes, come listen weel, Again oor boys are at it; Let fermers clear ilk weedy fiel’, Than sa’ their lint an’ saut it; For great John H has taen the stump, An’ Jemmy’s gaun tae follow, So Press suppression, neck an’ rump, We’ll scrieve aff like […]
THE CITY ON THE MAINE BY S.H.B.
THE CITY ON THE MAINE A river flows doon by the side o’ the village, Enrichin’ hir beauty, hir wealth, an’ hir pride; No city can boast such a fine situation As the village that stan’s by the Maine Water’s side. The oak an’ the beech tree grow near by the river, An’ the ask […]
THE COMING TWALTH
THE COMING TWALTH Hurra, me boys, the Twalth is coming, Anither month it wull be here; Wae twa bress shells the Craigs is ready, Whun ye see them, gee a cheer. The ‘Hoghill boys is coming tae, And Glebe folk ivery wan; Moyasset chaps is squarin’ up Their famous drum, “Black Man.” Oor Temperance Lodge […]
THE COMING YEAR 1914
THE COMING YEAR 1914 Your shattered hopes may grieve you, But don’t unduly fret, Your sorest disappointments Will grow sweet flowers yet. The bud that’s crushed will blossom, The fading flower bloom, The falling tear will vanish, Sweet joy will take its room. The darkened sky will brighten, The morning star appear Thy weary path […]
THE CUCKOO’S STORM
THE CUCKOO’S STORM Near the middle o’ May, in the year ninety-one, The snaw like a carpet enveloped the grun; It fell in the morning unsparing an’ thick, Tae it measured three inches by rule, or by stick. The very thorn hedges wur strange tae the sight, As the green struggled up through its coverin’ […]
THE DEMISE OF THE VILLAGE SMITHY! BY W. LIVINGSTONE
The Demise of the Village Smithy! I chanced upon a tragedy one showery August day A Cullybackey icon was to progress making way A fully working forge mill and local village Smithy Was being scattered far and wide with glib antipathy. The sacred sanctity of this home was totally disregarded An invasion of such privacy […]
THE DRINK TRAFFIC
THE DRINK TRAFFIC Dear Sur, A know your space is skimpt, But kindly try an’ gie A wee bit tae yer sober freen, An’ blissin’s rest on ye. The tapmaist subject in oor minds At hame an’ those afar, Is juist whut each o’ us can dae Tae help tae wun the war. Which still […]
THE END IS COME
THE END IS COME Ezekiel VII V6 Behold, thank God, the end is come Of two worst wars that’s known, Whose cruelty and hellish deeds Would melt a heart of stone. Buchanwald and Belchan’s vile camps Loom in our mental sight, Which may just be sad samples of What yet may come to light. Big […]
THE FARMER
THE FARMER Who dares despise the farmer, Or mock his honest toil? Are not we all dependent On produce of the soil? For, where would be the merchant, And where the wealthy guy, Did not the busy farmer Their vital wants supply? The stores would soon be empty, And ‘gents’ of hunger die, For what […]
THE FENIAN’S DREAM
THE FENIAN’S DREAM The sun was low; no more his ardent rays Did lingering wanton with the blushing corn; The lark had sung his evening hymn of praise, And twittered near upon the flowered thorn; The dim twilight that ushers in the morn With warmer breath, foretold the coming night; And nature seemed as dead, […]
THE FIVE PORCHES
THE FIVE PORCHES (St John V1-15) In this fine house of mercy, friends, Which old Bethesda means, We find our Lord one Sabbath day Amidst heartrending scenes. Impotent folk, some rich, some poor Lay there day after day In hope that when the waters moved Healing would come their way. But Jesus asked a certain […]
THE FLOWER OF SWEET BROUGHDONE
THE FLOWER OF SWEET BROUGHDONE (A SONG) You’ve seen the day star’s brightest beam, When Spring her virgin sweets reveal, Deep mirrored in the crystal steam, Afar in yon sequestered vale. But sweeter than the beam of day, Or rainbow o’er the ocean thrown, Is she who charms our valleys gay The peerless flowret of […]
THE FOOD CONTROLLER
THE FOOD CONTROLLER Lines suggested on hearing the Rev. J. A. Lyons, B.A., minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Cullybackey, preach an interesting sermon in that church from the text:- “I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there,” 1st Kings, 17 v 4 The times in which we live, dear friends, Should turn our […]
THE FOUR SEASONS
THE FOUR SEASONS Have you ever walked through the fresh spring air? When the wind was cold and the trees were bare The landscape looked so damp and grey Better weather to come the weathermen say Have you ever walked through the summer sun? Enjoyed its beauty when a day’s work was done The smell […]
THE FOUR-SQUARE GOSPEL “PRECIOUS”
THE FOUR-SQUARE GOSPEL “PRECIOUS” The British square we all boast of Solid stands, unbroken still; The Four square Gospel precious Stands, thank God, and always will. Side one is God’s own Holy Word, So precious long ago, And ever since has stood the test, Assail’d by false friend or foe (1 Samuel, 3and1) Side two […]
THE HARVEST
THE HARVEST The promise is while earth remains That harvests shall not cease, That God’s own people may be fed, And verily have peace. But as we look around to-day And see the golden grain, The staple food of man and beast, Destroyed by ceaseless rain. We ask ourselves why this is so, Considering the […]
THE HAVEN BEHIND THE HILL
THE HAVEN BEHIND THE HILL From dreams of past days and our forefathers’ ways Their huts or their habits by moorland or rill, We trace our way home, where all are welcome, To Cullybackey – the haven behind the hill. Old pads are now roads to carry fresh loads Of produce prolific wherever you will; […]
THE HUMBLE PENNY
THE HUMBLE PENNY Have you ever stopped and pondered over the coins you carry around Just empty your purse or your pocket and see what you have found You’ll find a simple little coin its value is not much Not a lot to look at or even to feel or touch It’s a simple one […]
THE KAISER’S CAMOUFLAGE
THE KAISER’S CAMOUFLAGE Hearken to the notes of love Notes, with protests from above; Who can grace his mailed glove Wit, “good to men?” We shall ne’er forget the crowd Who this day are dressed in shroud. What you are, sir, speaks so loud, Your name’s a token! Pfui! you fear not God nor man, […]
THE LATE MISS MAGGIE MCPHERSON
THE LATE MISS MAGGIE MCPHERSON The springtime sun was sinking fast Towards the western sky, As a true servant of the Lamb Lay on her bed to die. For God had called, she must obey That summons from on high, And leave this weary world behind For realms in the sky. So she is gone […]
THE LATE MISS MAUD HYNDMAN BY ELIZABETH B. LYNN
THE LATE MISS MAUD HYNDMAN, DROMORE, CULLYBACKEY Words fail to half express the grief Felt in our hearts to-day, Caused by the unexpected news “Wee Maud has passed away.” Young Maud, she was a child beloved, Old far beyond her years, Proving she was not for this world, With all its sins and tears. Too […]
THE LITTLE CLOCK
THE LITTLE CLOCK The following lines were suggested by the absence of the little clock in cleaning. The little clock is now away, Its ticking is not heard, Its solemn beats are silent now, Its form is unobserved. So will it be with us ere long, Our seats shall vacant be; But up in heaven […]
THE LOVER’S CREED
THE LOVER’S CREED DEDICATED TO E. M., BALLYMENA Yesternight, when the twilight was lying In mistiness over the earth, The sun in the red west was dying, To gladden the world with his birth, I lay on the hill-side supinely, To rapt meditation a prey If beauty were formed so divinely, To fade as the […]
THE MAINE WORKS
THE MAINE WORKS With the changing of the village There has vanished from the scene The Maine Works known to many Where a factory once had been A landmark of our native land Was once a thriving trade Where many a man and woman An honest living made It only seems like yesterday We viewed […]
THE MOUNT DAVYS BELL
The Mount Davys Bell On the banks of a winding river, ‘Neath kindly Irish skies, An old bell hung in a beech tree, Almost hidden from prying eyes. It called the labourer to his task With deep full note of power, With cheery sound it made hearts bound At the welcome dinner hour. When evening […]
THE NEW YEAR 1900
THE NEW YEAR With much speed the years are passing, Oh! how quick they do pass bye; Do we hear their voice of warning, Silently to us they cry. Be prepared to meet thy Maker, For this year thy last may be, Hear His voice so kindly saying, Come the Master calleth thee. Every year […]
THE NEW YEAR 1909
THE NEW YEAR 1909 O, how quick the years are flying, Though we think them sometimes slow, Yet our barque is moving onward, Faster than we really know. Life is like a weaver’s shuttle, Passing thither to and fro; When life’s web will be completed None but Christ does surely know. But to know that […]
THE NEW YEAR 1912
THE NEW YEAR 1912 Faint, yet pursuing, here we are Sometimes both weak and lone; Of toil and care we’ve had a share, But still we’re marching home. The mountain’s sometimes very steep, Sometimes the valley’s low; But through it all He’s kept our hand He’ll never let us go. His love holds fast, firm […]
THE NEW YEAR 1930
THE NEW YEAR 1930 Still the Lord is watching o’er us Just as loving, just as kind Still the same forgiving Jesus; Bless his name, He says He’s mine. Long ago He wooed and won me, Brought me to that place of rest, Where there’s none can hurt or harm me, Leaning on His loving […]
THE PLANTATION by BESSIE HANNA
THE PLANTATION The plantation is a formation of trees, A habitat for birds and bees, A shelter from the wind and rain When the trees come into leaf again. These stately trees, so tall and green, Stand so erect and so serene, Inviting birds to build their nests, To lay their eggs and take a […]
THE RAVENS
THE RAVENS (1st Kings, V17) I trust dear friends, there still remain Some lessons to the good, As outcome of the thoughts on Him Who still controls our food. But, then the question of “no space” Made us cut short our lay, Therefore the birds that brought the food Got leave to fly away. Please […]
THE RIVER MAINE
THE RIVER MAINE Slowly out fare ‘man the mountains Starts a stream as bright as day, And it plays amang the pebbles Moving down to broad Lough Neagh. Mony years I’ve spent down by it, Mony years along the Maine, And whenever I am fare it, How my heart wants back again. Fresh it comes, […]
THE RIVER MAINE AT CULLYBACKEY
THE RIVER MAINE AT CULLYBACKEY Some poets sing of rivers great, Like those of Foyle and Boyne, Or sweet and calm A voca’s Vale, Where meeting waters join; While others praise Killarney’s Lakes, Yet here I will remain, Mid pleasant scenes and hills so green, Along the River Maine. This stately river flows along A […]
THE SABBATH SCHOOL SOIREE
‘Tis winter time, and through the village streetThe children laugh and shout in frenzied glee,For now the schools their annual soirees give,When youngsters revel over buns and tea. This great event, the happy cynosureOf youths, who meet in modern, well-taught schools,Once more revolving time has brought around,In strict accordance with established rules. As six o’clock […]
THE SONG OF THE LARK
Composed on the lines of an illustration used in a local sermon on the text John XII v46 Farewell, farewell cold winter’s gloom,And welcome, sunshine weather;I love to hear thy song, sweet larkRecalling youthful pleasure. Yes, you do cheer my weary path,Thy hope makes me rejoice;For hope was never yet ashamedTo usher in her voice. […]
THE STORY OF THE BIRDS
Composed on hearing a children’s address on II Cor., V 17 followed by the singing of Psalm XV. One night as I lay on my bed,My mind in fancy’s dream;God’s house I saw so beautiful,And people filled the scene. In fancy there I thought I sawA bird arrayed in white;It upwards flew from out a […]
THE STROLL
THE STROLL Let your memory wander and come for a dander, My journey is only miles three, It’ll take you on the road past my abode, Between the “Wood of the Birch” and the “Field of the Yew.” We’ll start at the bridge through which the Maine flows, Up by the garage to the white […]
THE TEN VIRGINS
THE TEN VIRGINS Thoughts suggested on hearing the Rev. H. W. Boyd, First Presbyterian Church, Ahoghill, preach an eloquent sermon on “The Parable of the Ten Virgins” – Matthew 25 in the Cuningham Memorial Church, Cullybackey. Oor guid freen, Mr Henry Boyd, Preach’d here the ither day, An’ wae his wurds sweet in my mind […]
THE THRESHING FLOOR
THE THRESHING FLOOR In Ballymena Young Men’s Hall, On last good Xmas Day, The Faith Mission held a conference Just in their usual way. The singing was so full of praise And prayers right from the heart; The good effect it had on all I trust shall ne’er depart. To differentiate, dear friends It beats […]
THE TWALTH 1914 BY JAN PIPER
THE TWALTH 1914 The July day is comin’, boys, Then let us ready be, Wae gay cockades an’ sashes bright, An’ orange colours free, Tae celebrate that glorious day Doon by the banks o’ Bann, Whaur britherly love is always shown, An’ the grup o’ freenship’s haun’. Lang weary years hae past and gone Since […]
THE VILLAGE CHOIR
Beside the winding river MaineThe village church is seen,With spire so tall it is plainFor miles around, I ween,Peeping with slender top from outA circlet of green. Each Sabbath morn, at twelve o’clock,Its doors are open flung,And all the people thither flockAfter the bell has rung,Save the loiterers who don’t arriveTill the first psalm is […]
THE VILLAGE SCHOOL (GIRLS)
I met her, and of her I askedTo tell me, if she could,Some facts about the village school,Of girls, she said she would. Then quickly I wrote downAs she to me related,And after tried to rhyme the wholeExactly as she stated. The school, she said, you know doth standUpon an eminence small,No building is it […]
THE WEAVER QUESTION
THE WEAVER QUESTION We read o’ meetings to support The risin’ nerra gage, Which is tae be the strength and fort, O’ every comin’ age. We read o’ controversies lang, O’ puirhoos’ jaw and vapour, But seldom does the weaver’s wrang Bedeck the public paper On ony day. Our wabs are lang an’ ill to […]
THE WEE CHURCH AT FENAGHY
THE WEE CHURCH AT FENAGHY BY Mr Tommy Laverty The small church in the demesne at Fenaghy built by James McFall, a millwright in the Maine Works was situated in a tranquil setting close to the River Maine. This unique building was accessed from the cindered path which ran from Fenaghy House to the Maine […]
THE WORD
THE WORD Of writing books of every trend There seems to never be an end, But leaving these to their own side, Let’s hold to one that shall abide. Because in it we all may find, Almighty God’s most sacred mind, The precious words of Christ His Son, And Holy Spirit’s work-in one. It shows […]
THEMES IN GENERAL
THEMES IN GENERAL “Cullybackey Auld Number,” I wonder who you are? I don’t think you live, from Cullybackey far, In verse you try to imitate the Scotch- And on “Themes in General,” you make a total botch. Things in general, you try to illustrate, But corner street preachers, you seem to hate; You think they […]
THINGS WHICH REMAIN
THINGS WHICH REMAIN Lines suggested on hearing the Rev. W. Corkey, Belfast, a former minister here, preach a suitable sermon in the Cuningham Memorial Church, Cullybackey (whose present proficient pastor is the Rev. W. H. Hutchinson, B.A., M.C., C.F.) on Sunday evening, 11th inst., on the morning of which day he unveiled and dedicated a […]
TIS HARD BY S.G. Cullybackey
‘TIS HARD ‘Tis hard, ‘tis hard, to struggle and fight Life’s battle here below; To shun the bad, to choose the right, To punish with good the envious slight Of a domineering foe: To make a name that when we are gone, Will be blessed, not cursed, by everyone. ‘Tis hard, ‘tis hard to leave […]
TO ALL WHO HAVE LOST FRIENDS IN THE WAR
TO ALL WHO HAVE LOST FRIENDS IN THE WAR There’s many an aching heart to-day, There’s many a lonely home; There’s many now have lost dear friends In France across the foam. But mothers, wives and sisters all No matter where you be, We mourn with you for your soldier lads We sympathise with thee. […]