Song of Saint Patrick - Part 4 - Matriculation

IV Matriculation Back to home, Patrick did go, For in his heart he knew It was time to study with the church, That this he had to do. He told his parents when he got home That he must go to France And with great strength, he again departed, Tears filling this last glance. Patrick studied his Latin And the dogma in Lorraine And in his learning of the scripture, He did not have to strain, His past with his present learning Melded with great coordination And before year 428, Hehad earned his ordination. Patrick journeyed back to home, His familiy held a feast To celebrate his return And his becoming a priest- He followed in the footsteps Of his father and grandpa, Patrick measured up an equal To the hope, in him, they saw. One late summer evening, Patrick had this dream: Near the Woods of Foccult Within a mist shrouding a stream Came the voice of the Irish people -Together something tremendous- Asking him to return there, To, "Come and walk among us!" Patrick became aware That in order to play his part That God had assigned to him, He would have to depart Forever from his homeland So as to proselytize The heathen Irish pagans, Though sorrow filled his eyes. He knew there would be no return, He would not see home again Or sit among his family In their home upon the fenn, But this was understood by all, His parents exuded joy About this wonderful mission-- They were proud of their boy. So, for the last time from Britain Patrick traveled North on foot To find where he was needed, Where he was to be put. This time, his journey was as if He had never seen The beauty of the glenns and hollocks Of the richest, deepest green. Patrick journeyed long and far Making camp in the twilight And as the distance grew He knew that he was right, "To help my fellow man Is why, from home, I've gone." And every day, his camp was broke Before the light of dawn.