St. Patrick's Day

Today the world is Irish
And many will convene
To march as proud participants
In New York’s sea of green.

The weather gave its blessing;
No one did freeze or wilt.
Parade observers did applaud
Each uniform and kilt.

The bagpipes’ mournful cadence
Sounded spirited and proud,
And I was mesmerized
Like every other in the crowd.

We clapped for every firefighter,
Sailor and marine;
Even horses were decked out
With necklaces of green.

The high school marching bands blared out
Repeated “Danny Boys;”
The fifes and drums and tubas added
Lots of joyful noise.

A rousing cheer brought glowing smiles
To sanitation forces
Who walked with brooms and dustpans
To pick up behind the horses.

Children and adults alike
Wore shamrock shirts and hats;
Beads and flags adorned the likes
Of wives and bureaucrats.

All New York turned out today
For jubilant salutes,
‘Cause on St. Patrick’s Day we all
Can trace our Irish roots!