the
wind
no longer
stirs
the barley
like
rippling
waves on
harboured sea
for under
a
silver sky
of fleeting
clouds
the full
faced
moon
smiles
quizzically
unknowingly
on our
worlds’
view
as bats
flit
past
and
evening’s
grace
is broken
by a
distant bark
or muffled
words
as Hook’s
light
punctuates
the western
sky
on such
nights
such nights
I love
you

07/15/2006

Author's Note: This poem is only partly influenced, but at least inspired by, the beauty of the traditional song by Robert Joyce (1830-1883) entitled, The Wind that Shakes the Barley'. The song is set in 1798 Rebellion of the United Irishmen. The ancient Hook Head lighthouse in County Wexford has safely steered mariners home for many centuries.

Posted on 07/15/2006
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