Farewell John

The cold Derry air moves gently through the Bogside
a city quiet yet scars of past remain
across the More and Cregan there's a vigil
for the one who showed the way time and again,
farewell John, a nation's favourite son

So many young now not acquainted with that darkness
a road not travelled but trodden down the years
a road that dared for such hope and redemption
one to lead so many from the bondage of fear,
farewell John, Derry's faithful son

A mind that sought new virtue within the patriot
to feel each hope, tear, breath and beating heart
a feeling which crossed along the lines of great division
to put the gun aside and make a start,
farewell John, the dawn has long begun

A voice to draw the reason from the realm
of bitterness and hate at every turn
to delve into the conscious mind of killing
and appeal to something else the heart doeth yearn,
farewell John, you were the faithful one

Bitter sweet though it was on that Good Friday
a province truly started to mend its ways
though some laurels were lost in compromising
the light of peace would shine on each new day,
farewell John, the greatest cause was won.