The long June twilight
Faded into the night.
Dublin in the dark lay,
By Liffey and Dublin Bay.
The guns broke the silent dark,
Like a lone farm dogs bark.
Republicans and Free Staters
Were waging civil war like traitors.
On a rooftop a sniper lay,
Watching in the night so grey,
With him he had his rifle,
And any noises he had to stifle.
His face was thin and ascetic,
His eyes gleamed of a fanatic;
They were so cold and deep,
Used to looking at men sleep.
He was eating a sandwich hungrily,
And took a short draft of whiskey.
He considered risking a smoke,
Hoping that he wouldn't choke.
He did and lit it up hurriedly,
As a bullet shot suddenly,
Flattening itself against the parapet.
Taking one more whiff, he put out the cigarette.
He peered over the parapet to see
His Free Stater sniper enemy.
Another bullet whizzed over his head,
He dropped as though he was dead.
Rolling over the roof to the rear,
To a chimney to look far and near.
There was nothing to be seen,
His enemy was completely unseen.
An armoured car across the bridge rolled,
Advancing slowly in a manner so bold;
It's dull motor panting in the street,
The sniper watched while his heart did beat.
It was an enemy car,
A shot was not too far.
This the sniper knew,
But it was useless to do.
