Here's to St Patrick's Day

Every 17th of March I wear green,
of my Irish heritage I make the most,
on this day of the year especially,
I’ll pour a glass of whiskey and raise a toast.

My mother’s Dublin twang has faded
since moving over as a little child,
moving to Salford and Manchester,
across the sea from the Emerald Isle.

My mother’s roots are planted in the new country,
where she grew up, married and settled down.
Raising us three kids with my father,
Here in Salford, this Dirty Old Town.

While I embrace my Irish connection
the bond growing stronger over the years,
my mother is linked by love to my Manchester home,
and I feel inexplicably drawn to hers.

On this day each year I’m an Irishman,
listen to the Dubliners and raise a glass,
my mother remains true to her adopted country,
forever the Lancashire lass.