The following poem is believed to have been written in the early 1800s and was first published in the Chronicle in 1938.
I'm here tonight in this far-off land and the moon shines bright above.
My heart feels sad and my memory strays to the scenes of my youth and love.
My native land I'll ne're forget though I dwell on a distant shore.
My heart still clings to the Erin's Isle and Bonny Balnamore.
Oh I could see the plantings where the chestnut blossoms fell.
And wander amongst the bonny flowers that decky shady dell.
To wonder down the burney side when the toil of the day is o'er.
To wonder amongst the woods and Brae of Bonny Balnamore.
The soft green bowers of Miulicent where beauty reigns supreme.
Amongst these peaceful winding sheds I wonder with my Jean.
'Til cruel fate tore us apart ... now the joys of life are o'er.
When I think of her my heart warms to Bonny Balnamore.
The sweet veil of O'Hara Brook will still be dear to me.
And the wee stop bridge where the lovers meet and t