Grandson, on thy Second Birthday

by Daniel Desmond Sheehan

Dear Padraig! Thou blessed favoured boy!
     Thy mother’s pride, thy father’s joy
          and treasure of us all!
On this thy second natal day,
     We’re gathered round brave words to say,
          and fondly to forestall
Those hopes so truly twined in you ---
     The Days so bright, the skies so blue ---
          That far ahead we see.
And so it is our wish and prayer
     That God may have you in his care
          and seated on his knee.

We look on thy staunch sturdiness
     Bright promise of that rich success
          To which you are the heir!
For if your manhood but attains
     The sturdy strength stored in your veins
          Trumpets yet will blare
Those triumphs stout of brain and brawn,
     The plaudits from the massed throngs drawn,
          The ripe and well won meed
Of feats that will deserve their fame.
     Work for thy land, thy Irish name
          Brave act and fairer deed.

Dear Grandson, Godson, well loved lad,
     Go forward bravely, blightsome, glad,
          To thy fate’s part!
And meet whatever comes thy ways
     With cheerful front, unflinching gaze
          and an unfaltering heart.
I have the hope that in thy prime
     Thou’ll surely reach the heights sublime
          and live supremely.
Whether I be here or be elsewhere
     These lines will be the echo of my prayer,
          On this birthday for thee.