Derek Mahon - The Chinese Restaurant in Portrush lyrics

Before the first visitor comes the spring Softening the sharp air of the coast In time for the first 'invasion'. Today the place is as it might have been, Gentle and almost hospitable. A girl Strides past the Northern Counties Hotel, Light-footed, swinging a book-bag, And the doors that were shut all winter Against the north wind and the sea mist Lie open to the street, where one By one the gulls go window-shopping And an old wolfhound dozes in the sun. While I sit with my paper and prawn chow mein Under a framed photograph of Hong Kong The proprietor of the Chinese restaurant Stands at the door as if the world were young, Watching the first yacht hoist a sail -- An ideogram on sea-cloud -- and the light Of heaven upon the mountains of Donegal; And whistles a little tune, dreaming of home.