This poem was written by Anne Incze (big Anne Jones – Monte Pio) for the combined Monte Pio and Murray Dwyer reunion on Sunday, 9 March 2003
As we reflect upon our past and wonder why it was
For some have memories filled with pain, and others filled with love.
Even though our paths were quite the same, each one of us you see.
Interpret in a different way, its called individuality.
And what one feels inside their heart is different from the other.
But somehow we are all linked, like sister and like brother.
Our clothes were clean, our bellies full, a roof above our head.
And most of all at night-time, we all had a bed.
The biggest house in the town, was where we used to dwell.
Even though many times, we thought of it as hell.
And discipline was freely given, as they thought it was the way.
But it made you think before you leaped, not like kids today.
I guess we should be grateful, for the orphanages back then.
For without them God only knows where we would have been.
Like kids today upon the street, it makes me really sad.
For they will never know of the pleasures that we had.
For life in the orphanage as you know, you always had a friend.
Someone there to protect you, and to always lend a hand.
So say a prayer for the kids on the street, that their life will turn out good.
And one for the orphanage from where we came,
whether or not you think you should.
And one for the nuns who did their best, in the only way they knew how.
And one for Nancy for giving us, this day that we share now.
So stand up all you orphanage folk, shake the hand of one near you.
Three cheers for the orphanage Hip, Hip, Hooray,
And be proud of the home they made for you.