Thursday, October 23, 2008

Tory Island ferry

Báidín Fheilimí, d'imigh go Toraí, báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann,
Báidín Fheilimí, d'imigh go Toraí, báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.
Báidín Fheilimí, briseadh i dToraí, báidín Fheilimí is Feilimí ann,
Báidín Fheilimí, briseadh i dToraí Fheilimí is Feilimí ann.

Pitching through the growling tide,
Spies the tiny craft the light
That drops and rises like a star
On speed.

Like a gannet, half-concussed,
Returning to her rocky ledge
Where squawking chicks are huddled in
Their need.

Desp’rate struggle, yet her pledge
Will drive her on through ice shards thin.
For the young, the journey must
Succeed.

Next season, she might well decide
The cliffs that fall from Foreland’s spar
May prove to be a safer site
To breed.

No comments: