The School Bag




‘I am Raftery the poet’

Anthony Raftery

I am Raftery the poet
Full of hope and love
My eyes without sight
My mind without torment.

Going west on my journey
By the light of my heart
Tired and weary
To the end of the road.

Behold me now
With my back to the wall
Playing music
To empty pockets.   

Irish - early 19th century - translated by James Stephens