[Author’s Note: I will be reading these to my poetry group this morning in honor of the soon-to-be-upon-us St. Patrick's Day. The introductory stanzas are mine, but the others are Irish toasts that have been around for many years.]
There’s a little bit of Irish in everyone I know
And on March 17, they’ll be proud to tell you so
They’ll wear their Irish tartans and tams of Kelly green
And such parades and celebrations you have rarely seen
Throughout the day they celebrate and raise their glasses high
And toast their friends and neighbors – including you and I
So here’re some toasts that you might like to use St. Paddy’s Day
Sure it can’t hurt, but only help to “cast the snakes” away!
Traditional Toasts
St. Patrick was a gentleman who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland, here’s a toasting to his health;
But not too many toastings, lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good St. Patrick and see all those snakes again.
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way –
Good health, good luck and happiness for today and every day.
May your neighbors respect you, troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you, and Heaven accept you.
May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
These things I warmly wish to you –
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer
And a guardian angel always near.
May you have food and raiment, a soft pillow for your head,
May you be forty years in heaven before the devil knows you’re dead!
Dr. Hoult, whose family could use your prayers, may be contacted at HOULTight@aol.com
