". . . but I have MILES TO GO before I sleep, miles to go before I sleep." Robert Frost

This poem was originally posted below as a reply - a friend of mine sent it as a kind thought before my voyage to Ireland which takes place later today. While I like the uplifting spirit in the poem, it also had a second meaning to me as I have just learned that a relative has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. "And not a tear, nor aching heart, should in the world be found" - thanks again Rodney.bb.

"THE FOUR-LEAVED SHAMROCK"

by Samuel Lover
novelist, poet, musician and artist
born Dublin, 1797 - d. 1868

(a four-leaved Shamrock is of such rarity that it is supposed to endue the finder with magic power)

I'll seek a four-leaved shamrock in all the fairy dells,
And if I find the charmed laves, or, how I'll weave my spells!
I would not waste my magic might on diamond, pearl, or gold,
For treasure tires the weary sense, such triumph is but cold;
But I would play the enchanter's part, in casting bliss around -
Oh! not a tear, nor aching heart, should in the world be found!

To worth I would give honor! - I'd dry the mourner's tears,
And to the pallid lip recall the smile of happier years,
And hearts that had been long estranged, and friends that had grown cold,
Should meet again - like parted streams - and mingle as of old;
Oh! thus I'd play the enchanter's part, thus scatter bliss around,
And not a tear, nor aching heart, should in the world be found!

The heart that had been mourning o'er vanish'd dreams of love,
Should see them all returning - like Noah's faithful dove,
And Hope should launch her bless'd bark on Sorrow's darkening sea,
And Misery's children have an ark, and saved from sinking be;
Oh! thus I'd play the enchanter's part, thus scatter bliss around,
And not a tear, nor aching heart, should in the world be found!