Poems
I am storing these here mostly so I can find them when I need them for a night court or eisteddfod, rather than in the hope that anyone will happen by and read them. But if you do, I recommend washing them down with a stiff gin and tonic to lessen the pain.
01
Maman Brigitte Writes Home
In honour of Maman Brigitte, that aspect of Brigid whose extraordinary fidelity led her to go with the women of Ireland and Scotland when they were transported as indentured servants, who joined with the African people labouring in chattel slavery and was reborn as Vodou loa, protector of women and guide of souls.
Dedicated with love to all whose special care is the dead.
02
03
Tear Down the River Gods
In ancient Ireland, the rivers were Goddesses. In the 18th century, an English architect commissioned 14 stone heads to be carved for the Dublin Custom House, and they are known as the River Gods - pure 18th century invention, all except for the Liffey are male and they link our rivers inextricably to commerce. Images of these carvings appeared on banknotes and were handled every day all across Ireland - always felt to me like bad magic, banishing the Goddess and taking the sacredness from the waters. Every time I read about or see or smell polluted Irish rivers and wells and beaches, I think of the wicked spell of commerce and how to defeat it.
04
The Druid Dialectic
I have been thinking long thoughts about whether Lughnasadh was a mistake, or at least what we lost when we ceased to be hunter gatherers.
05
68% Banana
I never knew my grandparents and I have less than zero interest in researching a family tree or taking an Ancestry DNA test. The wonder of DNA is that it shows us how closely we are connected, not just to the rest of humanity but to all of creation. The idea of using minute DNA differences to distinguish *my* line, *my* clan, to draw some footling biological distinction between what is mine and the rest of creation, has never made sense to me. (I know it used to be important, back in the day, but in those days you never travelled beyond your village and marrying your cousin was a genuine risk.)
06
A Prayer For My God-daughter
A prayer for a child who is blessed with phenomenal parents and who will grow to be wholly and marvellously herself. I would not read this at an eisteddfod, because it is for her and not for everyone. But I include it here because her very existence makes me smile..
07
08
09
Step Back, Warrior
Cuchulain may be the hound of Ulster but I have always felt ambivalent about him - he strikes me as a weak man's fantasy of a strong man, and his brutality is unrivalled amongst our heroes.