A Prayer for My God-daughter

May the land teach you your body,
May you roll, laughing, down grassy banks,
May you toil upwards to stony heights,
May you emerge, shivering, from icy loughs
And cool your sunburned face in rushing streams.
May you inhale the scent of evening honeysuckle 
And the coconut aroma of morning gorse.
Pick your blackberries off the bramble
And hazelnuts from the tree.

May the land expand your heart.
May you ache with gratitude for a sunrise
And shiver with delight in misty twilight.
May you love and be loved in four provinces. 
May your name be called in every accent,
With greetings in English, in Gaeilge, in Gammon,
And every language spoken on these shores.
May doors open to you in every county, 
And friends and lovers usher you inside.

May you be a blessing on the Land.
May you learn stories as old as your name.
May you plant trees as young as yourself.
Being beautiful, defend the beauty around you.
Being fiery, warm those who draw near.
Your roots are deep – branch out and shelter others.
Your will is strong – know when to rein yourself in.
Unearth buried treasures in every place and person.
Especially in yourself.