DORA SIGERSON SHORTER 1866-1918

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THE MOUNTAIN MAID

Half seated on a mossy crag, 

Half crouching in the heather; 

I found a little Irish maid, 

All in June's golden weather. 

Like some fond hand that loved the child, 

The wind tossed back her tresses; 

The heath-bells touched her unclad feet 

With shy and soft caresses. 

A mountain linnet flung his song 

Into the air around her; 

But all in vain the splendid hour, 

For deep in woe I found her. 

"Ahone! Ahone! Ahone!" she wept, 

The tears fell fast and faster; 

I sat myself beside her there, 

To hear of her disaster. 

Like dew on roses down her cheek 

The diamond drops were stealing; 

She laid her two brown hands in mine, 

Her trouble all revealing. 

Alas! Alas! the tale she told 

In Gaelic low and tender; 

A plague upon my Saxon tongue, 

I could not comprehend her.

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This Irish poet and sculptor was a major figure in the Literary Revival in Ireland. Her friends included the writers and poets Katherine Tynan, Rose Kavanagh and Alice Furlong.

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