Finding the Words

Gold cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Sun, 01 Sep 2013
  • 2174 reads
14 comments
 

 “If you have the words, there’s always a chance
you’ll find the way” – Seamus Heaney

Your wisdom went way beyond
all books and learning – your words
speaking for the man who tilled the fields
and the horse that pulled the ploughshare

and how you had us breathe in
the scent of the wind inhabiting
your mammy’s sheets as they blew
on that line...

And I find myself but speechless,
for only you could have found the words,
and a way, to tell of the void your passing
leaves, as you sleep, in peace, beside
that ‘four foot box, a foot for every year’.

Yet how well you knew that oft times, silence
spoke best, and then you let the swoop
of a black-headed gull speak for itself; now
 that squat pen – dug for us all, too soon,
 is laid to rest.

 

 

Certificate PG
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Spiritual

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

A truely magnificent poem Tina and very different for you.  Written in the way of some of the greatest poets.  Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks so much for your words, Jenny.  Seamus Heaney was one of my idols.  Such a lovely man, apart from being an amazing poet.  His 'Mid-Term Break' from which I quote a line or so in my poem, is so very poignant, and one he will always be remembered for.

Hope the sun is shining for you, as it is here.

Tina;-)

 

Submitted by VeraClark on

Seamus Heaney was an idol of mine too, Tina. Mid-Term Break and Blackberry-Picking were my childhood fodder.

The way you've weaved Seamus' lines so artfully to convey his word magic has left me goldfish-faced. (Not a good look) This is a glittering tribute. Not just because of a sad death -  but because you've captured Seamus' style and art themes in tight form with such measured emotion. It offers such literary hope, too. Better than than all the wordy obituaries I've read.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Gosh, Vera....my kids had 'goldfish faces' off to a fine art;-)

Thanks for making me smile, and for your words.

Tina

 

Submitted by tcook on

This is our Facebook and Twitter pick of the day.

 

Join us on Facebook at ABCtales.com

Join us on Twitter @tcookabctales

 

Get a great reading recommendation most days.

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Many thanks;-) 

 

Submitted by Linda Wigzell Cress on

A brilliant tribute to one of the greatest poets of our time.  Just lovely, Tina, this says it all.

Linda

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Linda, thank you.  He surely was a great poet, and the world will be a poorer place without him, in many senses of the word.

Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Tina,  congrats on the pick of the day,  this poem really deserved it.  Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Much appreciate you stopping by, Jenny, and I'm so pleased you thought so...if only to maybe introduce Seamus Heaney's poetry to an even wider audience.

Tina

 

Submitted by hudsonmoon on

Outstanding, Tina. Gave me chills.

Rich

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Hope you're feeling warmer now, Rich;-)  And hey...thanks;-) 

Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Tina,  just popped by to say,   did you see the documentary about Seamus Heaney on BBC 4 last night?  It was very interesting and gave me an insight into the man and who he is.  If you didn't,  I'm sure it will be on again,  they always repeat programmes.  Anyway I'll let you know if I see it repeated.  Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Jenny - so good of you to let me know about this. No, I didn't know it was on, but we have Sky catch-up TV, and I should be able to get it via that.  I really am grateful, and shall have a try tonight.  If not, as you say, they often repeat programmes like that. Many thanks, again, and I hope you have a peaceful evening.  The sky here tonight is so clear, and the moon is already up;-)

Tina