The Leprechaun's Gift

They were sitting thar leaning back in their chairs
near the bar down at old Murphy's pub,
when a tiny old man, with shillelagh in hand
pushed open the door with his club.
Not the front door, the one back by the moor,
the door hadn't been used for yars,
but he slipped on through with his hat all askew
then signaled old Murph for a beer.
Now, there was many a town where strangers abound,
but not in the town Killyclare,
so word spread fast, until at last,
half the town's lads were thar.
Twas then doncha know, the old man arose
and tiltin' the hat on his head,
"twas a time for sure, used this club for war,
now I use it for lore instead".
There be stories told 'bout Leprechaun gold
in a pot at the end of the bow,
and the wishes you'd get if it's me you could catch
for the prize of lettin' me go.
But me darlin's I pray on this very fine day
not ta be waistin' your time.
Ya see, all the gold's in yur heart doncha know,
as fer wishes I'll tell ya a rhyme.

If ya wish for a Miss just for her kiss
and a lassie with which justa play
and don't care for her heart cuz ya think yur quite smart
then you'll only have fun for a day.
If ya wish for gold, the story's been told
then you'll miss out on silver and bronze,
for the journey's worth more than a pot o' gold ore,
it's the struggle that makes yur heart strong.

Then through the door blew a wind from the moor,
as the leprechaun tapped with his cane.
Then he leapt upside down - on his hat spun around
and whirled out the door whence he came.
But, thar left behind, his shillelagh they'd find,
now it's hung on the wall by the bar,
so whenever a day that the story's relayed
folks come from near and afar.
The shillelagh for sure is now used for lore
and held as the story is told
and all that are thar, then whisper a prayer
of thanks for the leprechaun's gold.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kauffman Avatar
March 27, 2025 at 11:09 AM
A great story in the arena of great Irish tales touched with the magic of the Emerald Isles, Craig! Love the use of Irish dialect. So creative. I agree with Thriveni, this is a difficult form made to look easy as it flows from your pen! Did you write tit in green ink? Haha! Reading this is a great way to join in the celebration of the day. Congratulations on your win! Blessings!
mysore Avatar
March 27, 2025 at 12:32 AM
A very difficult poetic form, it feels great to read aloud! There is so much effort in this write dear poet. Congratulations on your win dear poet. Cheers!!!
Mckeithan Avatar
March 26, 2025 at 6:24 AM
Congrats on your placement in my contest Craig. Got a big chuckle from your poem.
Daniel Avatar
January 9, 2023 at 12:12 AM
Quite a tale, Craig, love the folklore language used:)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace