De Valera And Collins

Of their imprint on the history of Ireland they cannot be denied
But De Valera and Collins were known to divide
Even family members in Ireland's civil strife
When many people died in a tragic loss of life

And though their supporters their praises may sing
Collins and Dev no joy to Ireland did bring
Their legacies in bitterness lived on for years
They brought to a small Nation death, suffering and tears

As a young man in Ireland's civil war Michael Collins died
And Eamon De Valera lived to become very famous and known World-wide
As Irish Taoiseach and President he reaped the rewards of his fame
To be a De Valera in Ireland is to have a great name

A deep impression on the history of Ireland they made
But in the shadow of Gandhi they do seem to fade
Since by passive resistance himself into history he did write
And the people of India to achieve self Government through peaceful means did unite

One died young under gunfire and the other lived to be famous and old
De Valera and Collins their stories in book form told
And since from life for all of us a final release
One can only hope for them in death they found peace.