A SPRING
Long stalks of rain
are growing from the skies
down towards ash-black soil
softer than deer hearts
frozen in concentration
at river banks
Everything that is not here
lies beyond these waters — more effusive
than a fisherman’s song
when come evening time
they sail back to theirs rocky homes
settled at Shannon’s ridges
winding like a maggot in a downpour
and greener still
than eyes of women
that bear the same name
Wise men of Cuilcagh –
the orchard’s guardians
they knew the danger
sowing the seeds of forbidden fruits
that she will come — an innocent girl
who’d turn her lips and then flow
like morning dew into the world
of underground streams
And when September fog will fall
her ghost will rise up through the night
and like a sea gull at open sea
hanging in midair once more
she will look
into the depths of Lough Allen[1]
[1] * Poem refers to the Celtic legend of goddess Sionann. According to Irish mythology, the river was named after a woman named Sionann (older spelling: Sínann or Sínand), the grand-daughter of Lir. She went to Connla’s Well to find wisdom, despite being warned not to approach it. In some sources she, like Fionn mac Cumhaill, caught and ate the Salmon of Wisdom who swam there, becoming the wisest being on Earth. However, the well then burst forth, drowning Sionann and carrying her out to sea.
