Paddy Smiled

Old Paddy made a sorry sight,
His clothes had had their day,
But, he brought the fiddle to his chin,
And Oh, could Paddy play!

The bow, it jumped and danced along,
The notes freed from their staff,
And as others clapped and sang along,
Oh, did Paddy laugh!

His laughter took him back again,
To life in County Clare,
To friends around the table,
To family over there;

He turned those memories into song,
A tear plucked every string,
Then, all went quiet in that room,
For oh, could Paddy sing!

Then up he hopped
From where he sat,
And stepped out toe and heel,
Folks jumped up to join right in,
As Paddy played a reel;

The room was filled with gaiety,
Hearts lifted for awhile,
Strangers now became his friends,
And oh, did Paddy smile!

Every sharing touches a life,
A hard times smile shines the furthest!
Edie Batstone