Scribing words to call the music in your soul
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
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.
Through long hills
And verdant valleys
I walk,
In darkening forest
And stoney fields
I breathe,
Of summer mist
And roaring thunder
I sing,
On storm tossed seas
And vibrant lands
I live.
© 2020 Maggie Grimes
Danu, goddess of ancient Ireland, mother of their gods and fae, and giver of knowledge, wisdom, and abundance. Danu, primal and ageless. The Dark Hedges of County Antrim make me wonder and dream of ancient stories and mysteries. This poem came to mind after I painted them. MJG
Samhain comes
To moon washed meadows gleaming
Eager and expectant,
She dances
Wrapt in dreams and laughter
Mistress of the night,
She sings
Ancient songs to snare the soul
Passions from a different time,
Samhain comes
Melding worlds of separate realms
Changing with her touch.
©2019 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. The approaching darkness and cold of winter warmed by the hope of spring. The portals between realms, between Fae and human, the living and the dead, were open. Life ends, life begins, a Great Wheel turning, terrifying and enticing. Happy Halloween. MJG
I would know the Great Hunt
Just once more
Seek mysteries
Ageless power calling,
I would thrill to Hounds’ song
Just once more
Noble prey seeking
Field and forest coursing,
I would chase the Moon Road
Just once more
Seek the moonbeams dancing
Silvered shadows chasing,
I will know the Great Hunt
Just once more
Finding change
Clean, cold wind chilling.
©2019 Maggie Grimes
The ancient celebration of Samhain approaches when the Fae could freely leave their sidhe. If the horns of the Great Hunt sounds, stay home, lock your doors, hide away lest you become their prey. Only a cat would brave the magic with such nonchalance. MJG
There is a place
Of swirling mists
And sparkling seas
Craggy cliffs overtowering
Pounded by crashing waves
Seals drowsing on the shores
Dreaming stories,
Mystic waves of people
Coming and claiming
‘Til battles’ clangor the peace destroying
Mists reclaiming
Gods of power falling
Fae of sidhe
The Great Hunt riding,
Clans and kingdoms rising
Heroes born, trained to purpose
Fighting exquisite monsters
Braving terrors, following honor
And impossible quests
Gifts of songs and stories
Bequeathing.
©2019 Maggie Grimes
All I’ve read, studied, heard, and dreamed of Ireland only serves to inspire more writing, more painting, more studying. I am well past the naivety of youth to believe that Ireland is perfect but she still entices. MJG
celtic singer 