Through the valley of death they all rode Cannons thund'ring, their fate did forebode Storm'd by shot and by shell They rode boldly and well But when they asked why, no-one knowed.
Don't go gentle into that night Rage, rage, 'gainst the dying of light Father, don't slip away Curse and bless me, I pray 'Cause tomorrow you might feel alright
I made a new world in six days Planted men, but they went their own ways I sent them damnation Then offered salvation If only they'll sing in my praise.
When Adam first stood before Eve She found it was hard to believe That his bone could bring life So he showed his new wife Just how easy it was to conceive.
If only we'd world 'nuff and time This coyness, my dear, were no crime But since I can hear Time's winged footsteps draw near Let's get on with it -- your place or mine?
My true love's first present to me Was a partridge upon a pear tree By the end of the season He'd gone past all reason Who'll remove this brouhaha from me?
I wrote these two Yeatsian ones a few years ago; I forget what prompted them. Note: The correct pronunciation of Parnell puts the stress on the first syllable.
Come drink to a proud man called Parnell As mourning bells ring out their far knell None purer, nor fairer, Than his love for Eire— Than his love for Kit, none more carnal I once loved a lady named Maud Gone away now with a fraud I’ll sing my confusions With classic allusions And stop quick before you get bored