Irish Poets

Comment

Comment by Carla J. De Vries on February 3, 2010 at 2:26am

Perhaps most people would not think of Bobby Sands when discussing Irish poets and poetry.
I find his work beautifully amazing - both prose and poetry.
While much of it deals with incarceration, torture and the fight for Irish freedom - and why it not be so as he spent 1/3 of his young life in prison, there are other topics as well. In fact, I read the following at my Mother's funeral last November :

Dear Mum
by Bobby Sands

Dear Mum, I know you're always there
To help and guide me with all your care.
You nursed and fed me and made me strong
To face the world and all its wrong.

What can I write to you this day
For a line or two would never pay
For care and time you gave to me
Through long hard years unceasingly.

How you found strength I do not know
How you managed I'll never know,
Struggling and striving without a break
Always there and never late.

You prayed for me and loved me more
How could I ask for anymore
And reared me up to be like you
But I haven't a heart as kind as you.

A guide to me in times of plight
A princess like a star so bright
For life would never have been the same
If I hadn't of learned what small things came.

So forgive me Mum just a little more
For not loving you so much before,
For life and love you gave to me
I give my thanks for eternity.

Comment by John Hussey on September 18, 2009 at 1:34pm

The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel, one of Betjeman's finest.

Comment by Alan Hennessy on June 4, 2009 at 8:22pm

I can't remember who wrote this but thought I'd share it with my fellow Irish Poets....... a little bit dark but nevertheless true.

To walk in fields of golden wheat, to feel the earth beneath my feet.
To hold the hand of one so dear, to whisper my longings in her ear.
To breathe long draughts of a seaside air, to hear the call from a seagull’s lair.
These things you take for granted now will be as naught in the here and now.

To look across a valley so bright, to smell a honeysuckle by moonlight.
To feel the rain upon my face, to wash my hands in a sharp cold lake.
To watch a child in innocence bloom, to hear her laugh in the afternoon.
These things you take for granted now will be as naught in the here and now.

To love and be loved in return, to kiss and be caressed and not hold back.
To be with friends and family too, to give all compliments as they are due.
To bask in your achievements, to give theirs their due for all they do.
These things you take for granted now will be as naught in the here and now.

To laugh and cry and sleep, to taste your lips and kiss so deep.
To scatter earth upon the ground, to set a plant and watch it grow.
To ask for forgiveness, to be awake and warm after a long sleep.
To ache for the first blooms of Spring, to be amazed in the Autumn glow.
These things you take for granted now will be as naught in the here and now.

Comment by Alan Hennessy on April 17, 2009 at 2:24pm

Terence, you hit the nail on the head with your interperation on its structure. Melissa, thank you for the comment it has that effect on me each time I read it. Many thanks.

Comment by Melissa Tuohy on April 17, 2009 at 11:35am

Alan your poem is wonderful, my grandmother passed away a couple of years ago, and reading your poem brought her to mind and a tear to my eye, thanks so much for sharing

Comment by Terrance O'Dwyer on April 17, 2009 at 2:19am

sometimes, we stumble on little gems that trigger disparite emotions yet somehow unite them as the poem or song ends--this time its as if you bring shock and grief, and your permission, together and say, 'go now, peacefully.'---for which i can only thank you.

Comment by Alan Hennessy on April 17, 2009 at 12:55am

Some years ago a friend of mine passed away long before his time and I penned the following poem in his memory. It helped me get through his loss......

Monday, I was told by a friend
that you died at the weekend.
Cut down as early summer grass
when seasons full cycle is yet to pass.
A sense of loss, a heavy heart
for words not spoken when last we part.
A cheerful smile a caring greeting
was yours to give on every meeting.
Pause now, and wave, at the door
of humankind and step beyond
to a brilliant light that forever
shines and graceful hearts linger.