Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Frank McCourt (1930-2009)

We are saddened by the passing of Frank McCourt -- Irishman, educator, and novelist. From humble upbringings in the Irish working-class city of Limerick, McCourt went on to teach thousands of American children and to make a huge splash with his books, including Angela's Ashes, 'Tis, and Teacher Man.

Read this New York Times article about his life and this editorial as memorial in The Irish Times.

Limerick, you're a lady
Your Shannon waters tears of joy that flow
The beauty that surrounds you
I'll take it with me love where e'er I go.

While waking in the arms of distant waters
A new day finds me far away from home
And Limerick you're my lady
The one true love that I have ever known.

As children you and I spent endless days of fun
In winter's snow or summer's golden sun
We fished in silver streams, the fabric of my dreams
Was fashioned by your loveliness and so I have to say.

Limerick you're a lady
Your Shannon waters tears of joy that flow
The beauty that surrounds you
I'll take it with me love where e'er I go.

Image Credit: Simon & Schuster