Showing posts with label Irish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irish. Show all posts

Monday, May 11, 2009

Irises, wet with rain



When I see the white irises open with their petals freshly anointed in raindrops, and the sun peaking into my grey world with it's warm touch, I can't help but think that my life is echoed and repeated everywhere. Didn't we just flare up in tempers and drama, like a thunderstorm? And haven't we all hugged and talked and made our peace with each other, and basked in the warmth of familial love once again?

I think of these analogies, and remember that there is also a literal and rational interconnectedness of all life forms. I think scientists are just now catching up to what poets know.

"I would say that there exist a thousand unbreakable links between each of us and everything else, and that our dignity and our chances are one. The farthest star and the mud at our feet are a family; and there is no decency or sense in honoring one thing, or a few things, and then closing the list. The pine tree, the leopard, the Platte River, and ourselves–we are at risk together, or we are on our way to a sustainable world together. We are each others' destiny."

-Mary Oliver, Winter Hours

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

May the Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face





Here are some incredible artists whose work inspires me this St Patrick's Day. In the colors and motifs and overall ambiance, I find great pleasure. Click, and check them out:
No.295 Fantasy Land by Deebs, anamcara by Selkie

Celtic Motif clock by Wool and Wood, The Irish Kiss earrings by Jewels by Designs


Who can resist the charm and great depth of Irish poetry, art, culture? Van Morrison, WB Yeats, and a mug of Gaelic ale, then off to a contra dance. It's a good life. I love Irish blessings, too.
Here are some of my favorites:

An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

An Old Celtic Blessing
May the blessing of light be on you—
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.


Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...


HAPPY ST PADDIES DAY to you!!!