Emirgrant's Suitcase

By Grace Leonard,

Object No. 95 Emigrant's suitcase, 1950s
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life

I felt someone pull me from under the bed and fill me with happiness and a small hat for her head.

When your mother had packed me and we were already to go She fell to her knees and cried “Oh no!”

Then when I was put up on the cart, I heard people talking with love from the heart.

When we got to the boat I was lifted aboard, around me I could hear people pray to “Our Lord.”

I was used as a pillow and handled with care, but wherever I was, you were always there.

When we arrived in the new place, I was still in your hand, and together we searched for a safe place to land.

Inside me were memories of days gone by and when you looked inside me you started to cry.

But we’re on our new journey, whatever life brings, soon you can fill me with lots of new things.

Our journey was short because life wasn’t kind,

The angles they took you and left me behind.

So now as I feel your mother push me back under the bed,

There is no happiness left just the small hat for your head….

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