Poems

CUSHAG (Josephine Kermode)
Third Edition
Printed and Published by G. & L. JOHNSON DOUGLAS, Isle of Man. 1912.
To my father's friend, the Ven. Archdeacon Gill, this little Book is affectionately dedicated. J.K.
Claghbane, Ramsey, Isle of Man, July, 1907.
CONTENTS.

O the cushag flower in a fairy bower Would shine like a star of gold; But when it grows in the farmer's close 'Tis a shocking weed, we're told. Yet common things May have their wings To help our souls above; And wayside weeds, Like kindly deeds, Spring from a father's love.
The cushag flower had fairy power In olden times, you know, To bear you away on a summer's day Wherever you wished to go. Its golden wings Were slender things To carry souls aloft; But fairy tales, Like fresh'ning gales, May have their uses oft.
The cushag flower in a stormy hour Shines brighter for the gloom; So kindly deeds, like wayside weeds, May shine when troubles loom. Old folks would say, In their own day, When troubles took their fill, And times were bad, And hearts were sad, There's gool on the cushag still!
Now the cushag we know must never grow Where the farmer's work is done; But along the rills in the heart of the hills The cushag may shine like the sun, Where the golden flowers Have fairy powers To gladden our hearts with their grace; And in Vannin Veg Veen, In the valleys green, The cushags have still a place.