<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><div dir="ltr"><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: 26pt; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; color: rgb(112, 173, 71);">St. Patrick’s Day: With an Irish Shamrock</span></b><div dir="ltr"><div><br></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">by Charlotte Tonna<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">From the region of zephyrs, the Emerald isle,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> The land of thy birth, in my freshness I come,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To waken this long-cherished morn with a smile,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> And breathe o’er thy spirit the whispers of home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">O welcome the stranger from Erin’s green sod;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> I sprang where the bones of thy fathers repose,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I grew where thy free step in infancy trod,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Ere the world threw around thee its wiles and its woes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> But sprightlier themes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Enliven the dreams,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My dew-dropping leaflets unfold to impart:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> To loftiest emotion<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Of patriot devotion,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I wake the full chord of an Irishman’s heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The rose is expanding her petals of pride,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> And points to the laurels o’erarching her tree;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And the hardy Bur-thistle stands rooted beside,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> And sternly demands;—Who dare meddle wi’ me?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And bright are the garlands they jointly display,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> In death-fields of victory gallantly got;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But let the fair sisters their trophies array,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> And show us the wreath where the shamrock is not!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> By sea and by land,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> With bullet and brand,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My sons have directed the stormbolt of war;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> The banners ye boast,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Ne’er waved o’er our host,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unfanned by the accents of Erin-go-bragh!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Erin mavourneen! dark is thy night;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Deep thy forebodings and gloomy thy fears;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And O, there are bosoms with savage delight<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Who laugh at thy plainings and scoff at thy tears!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But, Erin mavourneen, bright are the names<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Who twine with the heart-vein thy fate in their breast;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And scorned be the lot of the dastard, who shames<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> To plant, as a trophy, this leaf on his crest!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Thrice trebled disgrace<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> His honours deface,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Who shrinks from proclaiming the isle of his birth!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Though lowly its stem,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> This emerald gem<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-indent: -12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mates with the proudest that shadow the earth!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><br></div>—————————————————-<br><br><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)</span></div><div><a href="http://www.moscowcares.com/">http://www.moscowcares.com/</a></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tom Hansen</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moscow, Idaho</span></div></div><div><br></div><div>“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met.”</div><div>- Roy E. Stolworthy</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></body></html>