Misneach

I look young
You might think
Eager as spring,
But I am old
Watching through time
Sharing lives,
I am a warrior
Who defends your food
Bringing trophies of my prowess,
My antics amuse you
Boxing shadows
Distracting from mundane burdens,
I bring comfort
In the night silences,
Filling the darkness,
My rumbling purr
Lulls you to slumber
Defeating your fears,
I am not afraid
To stand guard
Awaiting the day,
I look young
You might think
Eager as spring,
But I am old
Watching through time
Sharing lives.

Misneach(MISH-nock)courage, spirit, hopefulness. The painting is of Belenos, my Bright One. I added the Irish cottage and my cat’s musings. MJG

April 13, 2023 0

Grannagh Castle

Seems fitting to see it
Standing harsh and bitter
In breath stealing cold,
Is that the wind howling
Or secrets, souls lost
Crying to be found,
Tall castle standing
Once proud, strong
Now falling and breaking with age,
Guarding the river
Flowing through time
Washing memories.

© 2023, Maggie Grimes
In the 12th century, the Normans built Grannagh Castle It occupies the strategic site of the 1st century Celtic fort, Dun Bhrain used to guard the River Suir linking Kilkenny, Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford. In 1375 Grannagh Castle was granted to James Butler, Earl of Osmonde. Legend has it that secret tunnels under the River Suir were where prisoners were condemned and executed. Margaret Ormonde ,the Countess, was said to be a witch who imprisoned her enemies in the tunnels where they were left to die. In 1650 the castle was taken by Cromwell’s forces and partially destroyed. MJG

March 24, 2023 0

Dublin

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.

Sunrise at Baily Lighthouse, Dublin. MJG

February 20, 2023 0

Adventures

The adventure approaches
Drawing close
Anticipation and chaos
Handfast in preparation
Heart yearning for home
Yet hard to leave
Roots strain across the water
Inviting
Dreams can alter, grow
And not be lost
Her voices call me
Ireland.

The painting was inspired by a photo of Benbulbin by CarverPhotograpy. I look at it and it is easy to think of Ireland. It invites an adventure. MJG

February 1, 2023 1

Christmas Journey

In the darkness
Wandering,
They travel
Because they must,
A new family
Leaving home,
Only their faith
Gives them strength,
Only their faith
Keeps them obedient,

An unfamiliar land
Holds few landmarks,
A distant light
Beckons them,
Growing brighter
It leads them onward,
Only the light
Rekindles their faith,
Only the light
Guides them to the manger.

© 2022 Maggie Grimes

December 23, 2022 0

Christmas Faith

Close your eyes to the night
The year’s past fear daunting
Replaced with hope,
Breathe
The battle long won
The darkness vanquished
In faithful belief,
The light of Love unfailing,

The star heralds the Babe
Illuminating the night
Shattering the darkness,
Rejoice
Angel choirs exalt
The prophecy fulfilled
Truth made flesh
Love’s light born undying.

December 9, 2022 0

Christmas Gift

He sleeps, nestled in the sweet hay, wrapped in soft rags. The stable is quiet, warmed by the hushed breathing of cattle, sheep, and donkey. Resting beside the Babe his mother marvels at her miracle. Like a fortress, the strong arms of his father encircle them.

Babe though he is, it seems he smiles in his sleep.

He leaves heaven and its riches behind. He comes to be of earth, to be part of us all. He is with us now and for all time.

© 2022 Maggie Grimes

December 9, 2022 0

Nollaig Shona Dhuit

Now and always,
May you have
The Hope that inspires,
Love that warms,
The Peace promised
And the Light that illumines
Through any darkness.

May your Christmas be joyous
and your New Year Blessed!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Marguerite Jane Grimes
2022

The title is Irish for Merry Christmas.(Null-ig hun-ah gwit)

December 5, 2022 1

Fómhar

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.

The painting was inspired by a photos of Foley’s Bridge in County Down, Northern Ireland. MJG

December 5, 2022 0

Old Bridey and the Vixen

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.

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

November 7, 2022 1