On Callanan

When Callanan wrote Gougane Barra he penned the impeccable rhyme
A poem that has survived for centuries and has outlived the Seasons of time
Though he died at a young age in Portugal from the place he glorified in verse far away
He surely was a master wordsmith and his legend is living today

There will never be one more quite like him for he had music in his song
His distinctive racy rhymes are full of rhythm in a class of his own he belong
In his time amongst the poets of Ireland he was one who was to the fore
He left for the far warmer climate and to his Homeland returned never more

The poems of J J Callanan works of great beauty he was one of the best of Ireland
His poems that have brought joy to so many are so easy to understand
He died and was buried in Portugal his legacy to humanity beautiful rhyme
His poems have a distinctive rhythm and have withstood the great test of time

The Convict Of Clonmel, Gougane Barra and The Recluse Of Inchydoney live as testament to his fame
And The Outlaw Of Loch Lene a work of great beauty so many great poems to his name
His journey in life in Cork did begin but in Portugal he lived his last night and day
And far from the River Lee waters his last remains forever does lay.