The Ballad Of The Roe

It begins on an Irish mountain and
Down to Lough Foyle it does flow,
My own fair wee Derry river which
Is known by the name of the Roe.

It wanders across the Roe valley and
My home town lies on its banks and
As I see the trout jump at the Cove
To our eternal God I express thanks.

It flows here and there on its journey,
Running here and there all amok, I have
Fished in its waters by the Dogleap and
By the inlet at the foot of Kane’s Rock.

By Pelliper, Carrick, and Largy it gently
Meanders along to where I have paddled
In its flow by the Wee Rock
While listening to a blackbird in song…

Oh, there are many fair rivers in Ireland
The Foyle, the Liffey, and the Lee but
There is none like that river in Ulster
A life  long companion to me.