For who can hold a candle
To patriotism's grip?
Or think of counting time back
When the mainspring starts to slip?
No power on earth could hold you,
Claimed it was your right.
'For you who helped to wind the clock
Must stay to hear it strike'

I recall the days of Asgard,
Your work, the plots and plans.
The downfall of poor Casement,
Another selfless man!
The time not of your making,
The Great War made it right,
Misjudged their time of rising,
Your honour forced the fight.

They tried to spare my grieving.
They brought your tender notes.
Mere whispers of your loving,
Small relics, treasured most.
Bemused by all the torment,
Believed our love supreme,
Small comfort that your paramour,
A country and her dream.

In sleep I saw Slieve Luchra,
Could hear your lilting song.
In tears I woke tormented,
Knew Darling then, you'd gone.
Fatherless our children,
With one as yet unborn.
Heartbroken, I a widow
Grim cost of freedom's dawn!

They saved your dying letter
Scrawled out at your last breath.
Self-styled as "The O'Rahilly"
Blood christened thus at death.
The only one to fall that week.
Had named it 'A Good Fight'
My love, who helped to wind the clock,
Had died to hear it strike

My love, who helped to wind the clock,
Had died to hear it strike