In Ireland long ago,
There lived a population,
Whose homeland was a place of beauty,
But also of blight and devastation.

The landlords owned the land,
And the tenants worked it hard,
But when famine struck, starvation reigned,
And many lost their yard.

The workhouses were filled,
With people in great need,
Immigrants and natives alike,
All struggling to feed.

Some chose to emigrate,
And seek a better life,
While others stayed behind,
And fought against the strife.

The decay of once-great towns,
Was hard for all to bear,
But hope still burned within their hearts,
And love for their homeland was still there.

And though the memory of those times,
Is painful even still,
We must remember and honor those,
Who fought with all their will.

For their struggles and their strength,
Have made us who we are,
And we can learn from their example,
And strive to reach the stars.

Reflections

Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story:

1. What were some of the challenges that people in Ireland faced during the Great Famine?
2. Why do you think some people chose to emigrate, while others chose to stay in Ireland?
3. What are some examples of the resilience and hope that people showed during this difficult time?
4. How can we learn from the experiences of people who lived through the Great Famine, and apply those lessons to our own lives?
5. What are some ways that we can help people who are experiencing poverty or famine today, both in our own communities and around the world?