Dear Ireland

I had initially decided not to share this poem but since returning home I have changed my mind.  So many people going through so many things in their lives and don't we all just need some time to process?  Ireland was my chance to be alone and face some things in my life, mainly the loss of my parents, but also so many friends, family members and colleagues in a short span of time. With more sand in the bottom half of the hourglass it was time to think about life, what remains of life, and how I want to live it.   So, Ireland was a trip planned with healing and planning in mind.  Enjoy!

Dear Ireland,

Over the rock-laden hills, 

through the scrubby grass

And across the wild seas

You called my name,

you called to me alone.

You offered up your solace and solitude

As a refuge for reflection and healing,

Holding up a mirror to my soul

And asking, who are you?

And I did not know.

But each day as I climbed

To the peak of Dun Aonghasa

Gazing out over the hillsides

Listening to the cows, 

those cows who 

Are not afraid of heights

And to the waves crashing upon the cliffs

Those waves whose persistence

Have shaped a landscape,

It is here where

shattered little pieces of myself

Found their way home.

I had been out with lanterns

Looking for myself

Here on Inis Mor’s hillsides

Across rocky ridges

And over sparkling seas 

I lay still,

The haunting emptiness inside of me

Opening up 

inviting me to recognize and

Honour the gifts within me,

It was time to lose the lantern

In order for my own light to shine,

To see myself through a new lens

And to rediscover my place in this world

Dear Ireland,

I came to you with two faces,

The one I showed the world . . .

And the one in the mirror.

I have heard your whispers.

I close my eyes 

and finally hear the voice,

The one that has been calling me home.