Lilli-Nelle: Ode to George
Lilli-Nelle, you’re such a Belle
I’ve searched for you hill and dale
Lilli-Nelle, you stole my heart in Ireland.
Lilli-Nelle, I must find, so I can bind
Her to my side, to be my Bride
Lilli-Nelle, do not hide from me.
I crossed the wee and painted brook
In my dream to take a look
LORD, help me find, in hurried time
My sweet Irish lass!
Lillli-Nelle, your eyes so bright
Flaming hair, in your flight
Trailed along, like a song, behind you...
And when I caught my Irish Miss
With a fulgurant kiss
All the stars, erupted, in Ireland!
One day soon I shall return
For my heart eternal burns
For Lilli-Nelle, the Belle, of Ireland
But until then my Fairest Maid
All the plans are being laid
By the hand, of the LORD GOD, ALMIGHTY.
On January 20, 2021 I lost a very close friend, mentor and fellow-poet. George John Carroll passed just a month before the fulfillment of his 97th year. What better way for one Irish poet to honor another than with a ballad that poured out of me on St. Patrick’s Day 2021, when my tea kettle (which I dubbed Lilli-Nelle years ago!) - offered me an aria when her whistle blew, and a steaming cup, thereafter. I was overwhelmed by the loss of my friend that day, but the LORD moves in mysterious ways, and He gave me a song to last forever!
I'm posting it today, because George and I often talked of our Irish Heritage and he was full of captivating stories of his childhood!
My firstborn grandson, Jason Michael, and I often sat over tea and read his poetry aloud and then discussed it, gleaning George's wit, his faith, and his nuggets of wisdom.
He was so blessed to learn that a young man in his 20's was being inspired by his work!
My husband Joe also enjoyed his work and eventually we all grew close, and even exchanged Birthday and Christmas gifts with George over the years,
George had just told me his daughter Barbara (whom I love dearly) was his angel, before he passed to his Heavenly Abode.. and just one month before his 97th Birthday! She wrote to let me know...
I met George here, at the Den. I was a massive stroke survivor who struggled severely then. But I made a lifetime friend - and that friend poured out his prayers, guidance, encouragement, faith and Christian love for my sake.
George graciously gifted us with each book he published. He even asked me to endorse the cover on one. What an Honor!
I can proudly say that I have his entire library, and will cherish it till the end
George Caroll is dearly loved and sorely missed by our family - but I know he's with his beloved Florence now - and one day, we shall all be reunited before the Christ.
C. 2021 Rhonda S Galizia
International Copyright
All Rights Reserved By Law.
Published, Who’s Who In American Poetry 2021, Eber& Wein
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I'm so glad you survived your stroke too..
Welcome back !!
Ron
Regis. 🙏🌼💚🌳🍁
I know you were close, because you have often talked lovingly and admiringly about him.
I'm sure you are missing him, and have him in "Rhonda's Hall of Fame," that special place in your heart that you often visit in spirit.
Love you and pray God's blessing and comfort always,
Your Sis, Connie
What a beautiful song you have written in tribute to our friend George! It's well-written and so lyrical. I can imagine George smiling down from heaven at you already.
I, too, remember George very well. I have also been thinking about George too recently and have been wondering where could he could be. I never knew he had passed away in 2021. I loved George and his work! I used to comment on his poems whenever he posted. He was such a dear man in the den.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you, George, in heaven! I'm sure you have all the angel's hearts, you sweet man!
Sandie :)