When I was young I spent my days beside the River Bann,
As it meandered through County Down along its banks I ran.
Or I would sit upon a knoll and with great patience wait,
For that elusive king size fish to take my subtle bait.
Then I grew up and wandered off to countries great and far,
Wherever there was money, that was my guiding star.
I dug for gold in mountain chains near California’s shore,
I cursed the Sun for going down because I wanted more.
With natives I oft traded beads for treasures they knew not,
In single minded purpose, what I pursued I got.
I smuggled every item and contraband by the ton,
Sometimes from the Revenue man I had to cut and run.
I have achieved my purpose and accumulated spoil,
But was it really worth it all, for my soul to soil?
From my palatial home here in this foreign clime,
I think back to Erin’s Isle in another sphere of time.
That was when I had real wealth, on the revolving wheel of fate,
Not as I sit old and grey contemplating my estate.
Monty Alexander 17.3.96