The following
poem is set in Drumnacanvy, based on the
Night of the Big Wind: It came and it came and it came, Like all the devil's bellows loosed out of hell, Howlin' and screamin' and cuttin' an callin.' It came and came, and came upon Drumnacanvy. The day a-fore was flat calm and quiet Not a rush or bush or wisp of smoke Either swayed or wafted, and words spoke in whispers. A grave foreboding' ta them that lived in Drumnacanvy Just after the children were pit ta' bed The breeze first and then the wind started blowin' Tossing and gusting and comin' on steady. Soon all was a blur and a whirl around Drumnacanvy. The fire was clamped doon and the lights pit out As that winter night's gale gathered in. A storm they were sure off, but sure it might pass Pass bye and over the homes of Drumnacanvy. But nay sleep was had for ony that night, As the devil's wind kept churnin' Screechin' in over bog and field Reaching and tearing at the very heart of Drumnacanvy Fear gripped all like the devil's own grip As now this screeching terror bate them. Takin' the very thatch frae o'er their heeds Twain thrashed wi' the haggard com of Drumnacanvy Who might say in this life he has ever met his maker, Or indeed has ever crossed the path of Satan's works of evil. That night as terror took its stand Both were met on common ground, by the people of Drumnacanvy At dawn of day when shaken men surveyed the scenes around Only desolation, inhabitation, and sure starvation Was seen across the measured ground Where once stood the homes and barns and farms of Drumnacanvy. Aye! Surely the devil fought that night wi' The God of heaven And God stayed not his mighty hand in torrent, rain, and thunder. Never again does common man want to see their titanic struggles, As he thinks upon the all forlorn, that plundered land of Drumnacanvy. ==References==