The Ash Grove

The ash grove how graceful how plainly it's speaking
The harp wind through it playing has language for me
Whenever the light through its branches is breaking
A host of kind faces is gazing on me
The friends of my childhood again are before me
Each step wakes a memory as freely I roam
With soft whispers laden its leaves rustle o'er me
The ash grove the ash grove again alone is my home

Down yonder green valley where streamlets meander
When twilight is fading I pensively rove
Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander
Amid the dark shades of the lonely ash grove
Twas there while the blackbird was cheerfully singing
I first met that dear one the joy of my heart
Around us for gladness the bluebells were springing
The ash grove the ash grove that sheltered my home

My laughter is over my step loses lightness
Old countryside measures steal soft on my ears;
I only remember the past and its brightness
The dear ones I mourn for again gather here
From out of the shadows their loving looks greet me
And wistfully searching the leafy green dome
I find other faces fond bending to greet me
The ash grove the ash grove alone is my home