The Sad Years/Home

by Dora Sigerson Shorter

HOME

I want to go to the heather hills,
To the heather hills and rocky shore
I want to climb to Ben-Edar's heights,
And to smell the sea once more.

I want to talk by an Ulster hearth,
Where welcome ever a stranger finds,
I want to stand on a Connaught hill,
And sing to the four great winds.

I want to see on a Kerry moor
The purple turf smoke, coil, and soar,
I want to hear a soft Munster voice
That sings by a cottage door.

I want to go to the Leinster hills,
To the Dublin hills by the rocky shore.
I want to climb to Ben-Edar's heights—
I want to be home once more.