Glasnevin cemetery is a huge cemetery where over a million people are buried - many of whom are famous Irish people. In 1966, the remains of the patriot and outstanding international humanitarian Roger Casement - who was executed for trying to import guns to Ireland for the 1916 rebellion or more precisely treason against the realm - were disinterred from Pentonville Prison, London, brought back to Ireland and re-interred in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. However, his wish that he lie at the home of his paternal relatives and ancestors by Merlough Bay in County Antrim in the north east, where he spent many childhood summers wasn't fulfilled!
There was a tree beside his grave which looked totally out of place, as if it bore a burden or was trying to convey a message. I was moved to write this poem consequentally upon beholding this sad tree back in 2003/04!
"The tree by Casement's Grave":
There is a tree o'er Casement's grave
which blooms not in royal garb
no canopy of lush green
of leaves bristle sweet barb
There is a tree withered and wan
whose shadow has no bloom
o'er Casement's grave it hangs
like a bride without a groom
There is a tree of little colour
that sprouts not nature's leaves
it's all but dead and forlorn
its mass stoops and grieves
There is a solitary tree
near Casement's resting place
the only tree which holds not
to its birth with pride of place!
It does not blossom in the day
its season is a spring that's spent
nor does it swivel in Summers bright
but fades like a captive bent
There is a lifeless tree
watching o'er Casement's grave
it shakes not gilded shrubs
nor buds finest of the brave
Its boughs and trunk
preserve a great shock
they feel the pain of Casement
for he wished to lie by Merlough!
Footnote: As the Tree is now gone, to make way for the restoration of the Cemetery, perhaps the poem is now pointless, or should a new tree be planted sometime again by the grave!?
