How Ireland Left Me

How I experienced a trip to Ireland

How Ireland Left Me

Her sky is ever-changing
so fickle is the breath of Her winds
chasing verdant fields of barley
in foaming shamrock waves
grey mists twirl like a maiden’s skirt
gifting glimmers of flirtatious sunlight ~
and I feel the ancient life of Her
yet She smiles with the youth of Spring
She holds horrendous and happy secrets
past realities blending into a birthing hope
the stark grey face of Her ruins sing
hauntingly familiar is this lilting melody ...
a thousand shades of green
blushing across the skin of Her
glades of purple Rhododendrons dazzle
folded into blushing valleys of royal splendor
I try to catch the breath of each moment
my soul panting with a steady urgency
as the days pass with casual rapidity
there is an awkwardness to our goodbyes
recognizing Her indifference to my presence ...
no hugging or kissing... neither any tears
only an endearing appreciation
as a plane separates the blood of me
lifting me away from the bosom of Ireland

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

how can i not read this, Scot?! my ancestry is County Donegal and Galway (Great Grand Da and Ma respectively) well done says i! the weave of Her natural beauties and ancient memories .. and the troubles .. all so much a part of the Emerald Isle ... i feel for your protagonist .. he forgets .. its the people who miss and are missed eh!? ;) loved this read .. thanks for sharing and i am very happy to have met you! slainte mhath! ;)
E.

[Scott Kris]

I actually fell in love with the land. The place herself bewitched me.
I take longer to developed affection for people. Ha.

Thank you for your response.

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ....................

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

This is one of the places that I have always longed to visit. Your poem causes her to beckon me even more.

[Scott Kris]

It felt like an old home…
Thank you for reading.

[W. Barrett Munn]

My daughter loves Ireland but I can’t find the passion for it compared to Italy.

Of the two Ireland poems this one I prefer, although present tense I still think helps. Instead of “her skies are ever changing” “This sky is ever changing” brings the reader into the moment and experience the scenes instead if being told about the scenes.

Winston

[Scott Kris]

Thank you. I believe this is good advice. I tend to go all over the place with tense….
Thank you kindly for the read avd review.
Scott.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Most lyric poems are written in first person-and lyric poems deal with thoughts and emotions which quite often are expressed more meaningfully in present tense, although in poetry tense is free to vary. The only rule is a successful poem.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"Her indifference to my presence"
As you create the personification....
it feels so real...I love Vermont...and I feel she is a dear friend from the past.
There are such secrets in Ireland...past and present...
You brought her to life in this poem.

j.

[Scott Kris]

Yes Jacob, places will speak to a person. Thank you for taking the time to read and review.

[Sami Khalil]

On my bucket list one day to visit this enchanting land. You have done her justice and more. Beautiful descriptions all over. Kudos!

[Scott Kris]

Thank you kindly for the review Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome 😊..

[Betty Hermelee]

A very lush green poem, .. with shades of purple, blue and other verdant colors….. you bring her to life, this country, as you show us all that is beautiful about her….and then sad to have to leave her, afraid she won’t recognize you upon return….lovely
Best, Betty

[Scott Kris]

Thank you for you kind words.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Scott
Best, B

[John the Baptist]

Quite a stunning use of imagery in this one. The speaker obviously has great love for Ireland, but I sense some conflict, too, as in the reference to "horrendous secrets." Still, lines such as "a thousand shades of green/blushing across the skin of her" speak of nothing but affection. I can see how leaving Ireland would be an emotional experience.

[Scott Kris]

Thank you for taking the time to read and review.