Scribing words to call the music in your soul
I dreaming saw
The Enchanted Isle
Beneath silver wings,
Dublin glowing in the dawn
Waking to the day
Shivering and eager,
I dreaming heard
Pealing bells
Streets crowding rumble,
Horns and whistles blaring
Bringing hordes
In ordered confusion,
Learned colleges, museums
Cathedrals of renown and graveyard stillness
I saw,
Teeming pubs, boisterous crowds
Songs voiced rowdy, poignant
I heard,
I, Dublin dreamed.
© 2023, Maggie Grimes
Sunrise at Baily Lighthouse, Dublin. MJG
Summer’s pyre
Flaming against a crystal sky
Winds whirling
Feeding, scattering
Dying flames
Of promise,
Cailleach’s cloak
Of brief splendor
Woven from summer’s bounty
Death’s bright herald
To welcome winter’s sleep
By glorious revel.
© 2022, Maggie Grimes
The painting was inspired by a photos of Foley’s Bridge in County Down, Northern Ireland. MJG
Summer’s ripe,
Days loath the yielding to night
So rousing early,
Old Bridey stirs,
She’ll be out soon
Tending her day,
If she sees me,
Mist soft
She’ll speak,
She’ll wish me good morn,
Then share the village gossip
As she works,
Bridey will remind me
I must leave her hens alone,
I always do (unless they stray),
We are comfortable together,
Old bones warming in the sun
With our shared memories,
Our babes born and grown,
Seeking their own adventures
Still loved and missed,
Stretching I rise,
Knowing Bridey’s Blessing
I stalk the hidden mouse.
© 2022, Maggie Grimes
I look at a lot of photos of Ireland which inspires much of my art and poetry. One was of a fox which reminded me of the one that I sometimes see. We share quiet communications in our solitary tasks; I tending the horse and the fox its survey for it’s lawful prey. We are comfortable with the other’s presence. MJG
The sun’s warming kiss
And soft mists rising
Beckon,
Morning calls
Wings stretch beating
Lift,
Rich the bonded years
Two and one together
Loving,
Silvered wings lifting
Our flighted wedge
Soaring,
Lonely skies to travel
Since his sweet song
Stilled,
The cygnets raised
Cared and guarded
Alone,
The sky calls
Wings to freedom
Lifting,
Duty met and love awaitng
The Otherworld
Inviting.
© 2020 Maggie Grimes
In Irish mythology and culture, the swan often symbolized love and fidelity. They usually mate for life. The swans are found in Irish mythology and are often associated with music and purity, able to travel between the mortal world and the Other. My painting was inspired by a photo by Ray McCann Photography. MJG.
Hurry travelers
Race the coming darkness
Already watchfires blink and kindle,
Be still and listen
Lift high your head
Testing the wind
Like the wild deer,
Darkness stalks the careless,
The daring,
The foolish,
Creeping closer,
Winds stir
Rattling the sleepy trees,
Gateways open in the hills
Wild music skirling
Worlds meeting
Anticipation shivers
Moon kissed shadows,
Soon, soon
Changes come
Both the gaining and the losing,
The Fae folk ride
And lost ones roam,
If you must venture
Keep your lanterns lit
And know where the water races,
Samhain plays tonight.
© 2020 Maggie Grimes
Samhain of the ancient Celts was a celebration and recognition of endings and beginnings. The labors and harvest of summer in preparation for winter done. Life ends, life begins, a Great Wheel turning, terrifying and enticing. Happy Halloween. MJG
celtic singer 