Swing In A Tree: enchantment

Thursday, March 2, 2023

"The Best Nap"

Malahide Castle

Dublin bound for half a day

with seats in the upright position

fitfully dozing during the long flight

as snatches of movies weave into my dreams

maneuvering through city streets

in search of Malahide Castle—our first stop in enchantment

the cobwebs of travel puff away

catch on the gossamer of history

we walk hand-in-hand from parlor to pantry

forgetting our fatigue as we meander through gardens

we linger, lusting for greener pastures

hunger nudges us to homemade bread and thick potato soup

--Clontarf Castle’s soft beds lure us upstairs

hot showers, cool linens blend with child play

we stretch on pristine sheets and tumble into perfect slumber

sleep embraces us soothingly as we spoon together

glass tinkling, or pixie laughter?

the voices of Ireland lull us into serenity

Clontarf Castle

Monday, April 20, 2015

"The Cottage"

Cottage on Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands, Ireland September 2010

Whitewashed walls tinged rose by sunrise’s blush

sashes—a splash of sky

new thatch mixes with dew’s perfume

while flowers and ferns embroider the path of home

Door opens with smiles and cheer

Enter!

Peat banked in the hearth

black pot nestles in amber embers simmering Guinness stew

Lace daintily drips from the table

—tatted by Grams’ steady hands

Oatcakes totter on a platter

sheep’s cheese, churned butter, honey, cream

and tea brewed black—a midnight sky swirling with galaxies

From the loft flows the fiddle’s enchantment

a boy’s toe tapping, keeping the beat

drowning out the past’s lament

Cottage at Bunratty Castle

tears of yesteryear hidden in another song

Share a pint

Share a verse

Share our life

Welcome home!

Welcome home.

Cottage at Bunratty Castle

During our entire trip through Ireland, a place I'd never visited before, I felt as though I was returning home.