Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869–1948). The Second Book of Modern Verse. 1922.

Good-Bye

GOOD-BYE to tree and tower,

To meadow, stream, and hill,

Beneath the white clouds marshalled close

At the wind’s will.

Good-bye to the gay garden,

With prim geraniums pied,

And spreading yew trees, old, unchanging

Tho’ men have died.

Good-bye to the New Castle,

With granite walls and grey,

And rooms where faded greatness still

Lingers to-day.

To every friend in Mallow,

When I am gone afar,

These words of ancient Celtic hope,

“Peace after war.”

I would return to Erin

When all these wars are by,

Live long among her hills before

My last good-bye.