Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam
If a woman in Aran is milking a cow and the milk is spilled, she says, "There's some are the better for it," and I think it a very nice thought, that they don't grudge it if there is any one it does good to.
As I collect my thoughts on this national day of feasting, I am reminded of my roots. Of what once was, and what might have been. On the pain of loss, and the unforgiving march of time. On the price of butter, and on dirt behind my fingernails. On George M. Cohan and longshoremen. And what people really mean when they say "so long."
I hope you enjoy your peaceful family gathering, but before you set down to eat tonight, just remember the millions of my people who perished never having known buttered mashed potatoes. In the extended, you will also learn how to arrange for reparations to be delivered to me, personally.
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