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Showing posts with the label Saint Patrick's Day

Poetry for families for Saint Patrick's Day!

At this time of year, on the Feast of Saint Patrick, we should be celebrating everything which is good about our country. My favourites are: our family ties, our incredible contribution to literature and our relish for and resilience to the absurdities of life. Everyone will have their own memories and recollections of growing up in Ireland; running along a beach in the rain and returning home to the scent of the peat fire and warmth. For me, this poem encapsulates our childhood joys and dreams and the experiences I hope to pass on. For children or the diaspora who are living outside Ireland, read this for your parents or grandparents and share in their memories and love of our land. Irish Children - An Dara-Leabhar (Gaelic League) Happy Irish children, In your home below, Sheltered when the rain falls, Safe from winter's snow. Sing your songs of gladness In your grand old speech, Climb the sunny hillside, Race along the beach. Nowhere greener pastures, Nowhere bro

My favourite Irish "party piece" poem

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We had some wonderful parties when I was little. Everyone would take it in turns to entertain; to sing, to recite or to dance. You don't have to wait until Saint Patrick's Day to start this tradition in your own families and, when you do, consider something by WB Yeats. The wonderful lyricism of the language appeals to every audience and the simplicity of his visions will delight. The Lake Isle of Innisfree I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made. Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee, And live alone in the bee-loud glade. And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings; There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, And evening full of the linnet's wings. I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand

A poem by a patriot for Saint Patrick's Day!

Robert Emmet (1778 - 1803) has the dubious honour of being the last man to be hanged, drawn and quartered by the British for his leading role in the 1803 uprising. An incredible character who combined bravery and romanticism, he is one of the greats of Irish history. Outside Ireland, anyone who lives in San Francisco, Washington or Iowa can see his statue. For people living in Emmet County Iowa, Emmet, Nebraska or Emmet County, Michigan, you are living in towns named to honour an inspirational man. To bring Emmet's words into your house, how about reciting one of his poems this Saint Patrick's day? My Own Land - Robert Emmet This world hath many a glorious land, Where beauty ever dwells, Old snow-crowned hills, and rivers grand, And happy summer dells. Of these the Poet in his lays, Loves evermore to tell, Where heroes died in former days, Where Freedom's martyrs fell. But my own land is dearer far, Than all, where'er they be, My own land - my own land