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Ted Kennedy.

By Pat Gallinagh

He fought for the downtrodden, the elderly and the poor
Although he lived in comfort, he had compassion for those less secure
He fought until his dying breath to make this land a better place
And he was filled with optimism for the future of the human race

He had a deep abiding love for sailing with the wind
He would coast for hours and his sadness would rescind
Once he found his true compass, he set his sails on course
And headed for the safe harbor with his love as his guiding force

As his days dwindled down to his last precious few
He took solace with his family and the good laws he helped shepherd thru
He helped the struggle for civil rights and got funds for children's health
And ended foreign wars and made education again a source of this country's wealth

He lived long enough to witness the passing of the torch
That his brother John had carried fearlessly and wouldn't let it scorch
The dreams of the less fortunate, the weary and the weak
And those who flocked to this country and did their fortune seek

Perhaps his passing marks the end of a storied time When lowly Europeans used the steps of politics to climb To the pinnacle of power but now gave way to a much more diverse group Whose roots go back to Asia, Africa and other lands now firmly in the loop

So as the Irish across this land from Bean Town to the Golden Gate
Gather to celebrate their heritage and Ireland's patron saint
Let us pause and raise a toast to Teddy Kennedy and his legacy
That kept open the doors to opportunity in the home of the brave and the free

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