Ireland

Resharing this early poem, 'tis the season! Newly added reading at the bottom.

My heart belongs to Ireland, green isle across the sea--

oh Ireland, dear Ireland, why do you call to me?

Oh lovely land of ancient ruin and mystic Celtic lore,

of leprechauns, and fairies, and swans along the shore;

of northern causeways made of stone where giants once did roam,

of poets and of famous saints who called this island ‘home;'

of thund’ring waves against the cliffs, and wind upon the strand--

even non-believers must surely see God’s hand.

White sheep dot the patchwork fields along the winding road,

rainbows sail ’cross dampened skies and promise hidden gold.

‘Tis here the gift of eloquence is but a kiss away,

and there’s naught quite so lovely as sunset on Galway Bay.

But sure’n it’s the people so warm and filled with grace,

with lilting voice and open heart, that makes one love this place.

Oh Ireland, dear Ireland, green isle across the sea…

you took a piece of my heart, and now are part of me.

This poem comprises everything that I love about this country.

© Ginny Brannan 2010

Photos: Ginny Brannan - Above: lace stone walls near village of Cong, County Mayo, Ireland
Below: O'Brien's Tower, Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland, 2006