Ode to the Pampas
tune – Isle of Barra

Tonight I am a broken man the pampas grass is gone
In tribute to its memory it’s worthy of a song
I watched it grow from seedling small those many years ago
But when it grew too big by far it had to go.

I witnessed it with much delight swaying gently to and fro
Each time the wind increased in strength resistance it did show
For many years it graced the scene a tonic to us all
And by change when days were calm its plumes stood straight and tall.

I’ve cut it back and trimmed it round at all times of the year
A big part missing from my life of this I now do fear
No more to see its plumes in swing in tandem with the breeze
Now all I have are memories it always did me please.

I wrestled with my conscience before I dug it out
And even though it was too big my judgement I did doubt
But under pressure from ‘within’ I took it clean away
No more to see its feathered plumes such beauty on display.

Throughout the seasons it was there securely it did grow
Established after many years its elegance did show
But not all lost I can reveal its ‘offspring’ bold and strong
And in the future if we’re spared I’ll write another song.