A ROBIN SANG
by Ruaidhri Mac Eanraig, circa 1923
A robin sang in the air so free
Met the Man and his heavy Tree
Upon the Way of Calvary
And the time of the Pasch was near.
O King of All the Kings ‘ere born
Ne’er saw I a Crown of Thorn
Nor king so weary, so forlorn
– And the women gazed in tear.
The Thorn it pierces His White Brow
Why, o King, such pain allow?
My time has come, My time is now!
– And his enemies gloat and cheer.
Down he flew to the Sacred Tree
To Thorn-crowned head in hops goes he
The piercing thorn his beak to free
And scorn for the threatening spear.
One piercing thorn he quickly chose
And tugged, and, how red blood flows
Was shed alike for friends and foes
– Oh children, listening hear.
How Robin’s breast’n a Red gold stain
Robin passed away from pain
By the spear of the Crown is Robin slain
– Oh children, have not fright nor fear.
His subjects all, we are just as free
To help Him along to Calvary
What matter death if only He
In His Glory doth appear.
(Listen to this poem sung by Chris O’Sullivan)