My life is ordinary
I haven’t been conferred
with honorary degrees
become rich or famous
discovered new cures
or written books on knowledge
to advance the world
Forty two years ago,
I came alone to America
the country where I was
offered the chance
of a better life
I embraced opportunities
to adapt, to learn, to work
to become what I could be
most things worked out well
but there were disappointments
Still, I am content
But a piece of me often yearns
for Dublin
the smell of flowers and fruit
in Moore Street
the jostling crowds
the fumes from the double-decker buses
the sounds of trains and church bells
in my childhood town of Bagenalstown
quiet walks along the lush banks
of the Barrow River
escorted by regal white swans
I also long for the family and friends
I loved and left scattered
all over Ireland
there are even times
I just miss the grey, gloomy days
the gale force winds winds
and the cold rain
I especially miss the cosy houses
offering unconditional friendship
an unscheduled heart-to-heart chat
afternoon tea
and hot buttered scones
Still, every 4th of July
when I hear the brass bands play
‘The Star Spangled Banner’
watch the stars and stripes dance in the wind
join rousing voices to sing
‘America the Beautiful'
gaze in wonder as fireworks explode
in the night sky
my eyes mist over
fully aware that I am lucky
I attained the American Dream
an old house with shimmering windows
is my own
in the country I now call home
So I ask myself
What contributions did I make
to the country that said
"Yes, we'll give you a green card?"
America now has the family I created
three generations of healthy, loving,
hard working people
settled close together
in Buffalo, New York
Because of this family
my ordinary life has become ...
E x t r a O r d i n a r y.