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Corinne
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since 1999-10-28
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0 posted 2000-02-27 11:32 AM


Catherine

She tread upon these same mossy mounds,
on Mizen Head in County Cork,
a verdant jewel encased by silver sands.

She watched golden bays shimmering,
roamed these rolling rock hills,
ducked into thatched roof dwellings
smoky in the waning hours of dusk.

She shared famine’s feast of grief and shame,
before she sailed from this still unnamed bay,
and pondered the ancient stone circles,
mourned for her mother’s stillborn babes.

She pressed lips to headstones of her heritage,
and beheld this monolithic Celtic cross,
where only Catholics were laid to rest.

She walked upon these shores in the morn,
and perhaps never met another soul.
She left at sixteen to find the golden streets
rumored to pave the New City.

But instead of gold, all was grayed by
towering creations, filth and crowds.
There were no green hills vanishing
in the mists that rose from these gutters.

But still, the wild grasslands call,
whispering winds of a bejeweled isle,
“Who among you can dance?” it asks,
“We dance the dance of lovers,” we cry.

© 27 February '00 Corinne Mary Bailey


posted for Parker



[This message has been edited by Corinne (edited 02-27-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Corinne - All Rights Reserved
Parker
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since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
1 posted 2000-02-27 12:17 PM


Corinne,

This was a sad and wonderful tale. Thank you for posting it for me. It begs the question, is it about a past relative who left the emerald isle.
Catherine .... she conjours up ancient memories from a family tree I don't know enough about.

Parker .....

Corinne
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since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
2 posted 2000-02-27 12:28 PM


Parker,you are most welcome.  No, this isn't about a past relative, although I have anscestors by this first name.

I was pondering what it must been like during the mass exodus from Ireland, escape from famine, poverty and oppression.

Corinne

Parker
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since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
3 posted 2000-02-27 05:41 PM


I can imagine that it would have been sad to leave the emerald isle for any reason. One day I shall get there for a visit.

Parker

Corinne
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since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
4 posted 2000-02-27 07:34 PM


I've been thinking on that very subject myself, Parker...

Corinne

Balladeer
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5 posted 2000-02-27 07:38 PM


I, too, would like to return. My ancestors are from Shannon and a more beautiful spot on the globe I've never seen. Wonderful poem, Corinne, filled with beautiful Irish flavor.  
Parker
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since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
6 posted 2000-02-28 12:48 PM


Its never fun to travel alone, maybe we could share a boat, Corinne...

Parker

Corinne
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since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
7 posted 2000-02-28 01:32 AM


Thank you Balladeer!  I didn't realize you were Irish, my man!

Ah, Parker, you are a sly one, you are!

Corinne

Parker
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since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129
ON
8 posted 2000-03-08 11:42 AM


~The Soul of the Wind~
On the Wing of Hope
No grey could ground her soaring
As she sweetly sings

Parker


Catherine, should not be forgotten, so back up she goes.

Parker

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
9 posted 2000-03-08 11:50 AM


Another beautiful one Corinne  
Toerag
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since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
10 posted 2000-03-08 12:21 PM


Yep...this is beautiful sweets.....Yep, Balladeer is Irish, (and several other things too...but I'd get deleted if I posted them).....and he also has ancestors...(and several other ailments too)....good to see your schtuff gal...take care now ya hear?
serenity blaze
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since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

11 posted 2000-03-08 09:22 PM


Corinne, you are a story-teller of grandest
tradition...the only thing missing from your
poetry is lute, flute, and the sound of tinkling bell from your shoes...You have the ability to transport to another time. Bravo!

Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
12 posted 2000-03-08 09:38 PM


Thank you, Hoot!

Toe, so nice to see ya!

Serenity, why thank you kindly!

Corinne

Marge Tindal
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
13 posted 2000-03-08 09:45 PM


Corinne~
How in the world did I ever miss this one?
It is soooooooo lovely.

'She pressed lips to headstones of her heritage'

This line alone tells the story.
I am also of Irish heritage.
Aren't we all the LUCKY lot !
~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


Denise
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since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

14 posted 2000-03-08 11:07 PM


This has me longing even more to someday visit the land of my ancestors! This is very beautiful, Corinne!

Denise

Mike
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since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462

15 posted 2000-03-08 11:17 PM


Glad I read this. Truly enjoyed.
Corinne
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since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
16 posted 2000-03-09 12:04 PM


Thank you very much, Denise, Marge and Mike!

Corinne

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