Ian Thomas Phillips | + Follow Poet |
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Song of Saint Patrick - Part 3 - Return

III
Return

Patrick had to deter the robbers 
	And thieves he met along the road,
		Ward off viscious creatures,
	Yet steadily he strode
			Until, at last, he came upon
				A landmark he well knew
					And saw that he had triumphed over
				Obstacles not a few.

He made it back to his family,
	Into the arms of his mom and dad
		(No tongue can express the emotion
	The three of them then had),
			"I made it through great hardship
				And I only have to say:
					The Lord who freely giveth
				Doth also take away."

Patrick stayed in Britain,
	But his heart started to burn
		Not after adventure,
	But for greater things he yearned.
			One night his mission came to him
				As he sat in meditative trance:
					He was called to monastic studies,
				To study with the church in France,

But something was not settled,
	Nor was his conscience still,
		He felt that there was some obligation
	Yet to be fulfilled.
			But then he knew for certain
				His duty burned brightly as a flame-
					He must return to his former master
				And pay the ransome on his name.

Patrick wandered back to Ireland
	To pay his freedom's fare
		And on his journey, travelers he met
	Going to and from there,
			Confused with tribal teachings
				And pagan rite belief;
					Though this was their religion
				They had but small relief.

When, at last, Patrick arrived
	On his old master's land
		He was met by men on horseback,
	-A formidable band-
			They knew, at once who Patrick was 
				And using undue force,
					They beat and bound the runaway
				And set him on a horse.

He was brought to his old master,
	The men seeking a reward,
		"And now it comes that you must die!"
	He said, drawing his sword.
			"I have come to buy my freedom!"
				Patrick, from his own neck, tore
					A sack of gold, his life's ransome
				And threw it on the floor. 

Patrick was loosed from what bonds 
	Of debt he felt he owed
		And to his former master,
	Duty and right he showed.
			Patrick stayed a week or so
				Teaching Christianity
					And before Patrick left for home,
				The men could clearer see.

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