I’m Sitting on the Stile

I’m sitting on the stile Mary where we sat side by side

On a bright May morning long ago when first you were my bride

The corn was springing fresh and green, the larks sang loud and high

The red ‘twas was on your lip, Mary, the love light in your eye

The place is little changed Mary the day is bright as then

The lark’s loud song is in my ear the corn is green again

But I miss the soft clasp of your hand, your breath warm on my cheek

I still keep listening for the words you nevermore will speak

‘Tis but a step down yonder lane the little church stands near

The church where we were wed Mary I see the spire from here

The graveyard lies between Mary, my step might break your rest

For I’ve laid you darling, down to sleep with our baby at your breast

I’m very lonely now Mary for the poor make know no friends

But oh they love thee better far, the few Our Father sends

You were all I had Mary, my blessing and my pride

There’s nothing to care for now since my poor Mary died

I’m bidding you a long farewell my Mary kind and true

I’ll not forget you darling in the land I’m going to

They say there’s bread and work for all and the sun shines always there

But I’ll not forget old Ireland were it fifty times as fair

And often in those grand old woods I’ll sit and shut my eyes

And my heart will travel back to the place where Mary died

I think I see the little stile where we sat side by side

Watching the springing corn on a bright May morn when first you were my bride