Reminiscing on 5-year anniversary:
This was my Dream Trip...in 2003...one I shared with my grand-niece (H.S. graduation gift) and oldest grand-nephew (early college graduation gift). My youngest grand-nephew had his sports in which to participate (his love and choice not to go). It's wonderful to share heritage with the younger generation, but be prepared to walk a lot!
(More poems to follow...) 

I'M GOING OFF TO IRELAND

(prologue)
I'm going off to Ireland
a dream I've had so long
I'm going off to Ireland
tho, my stay will not be long.

I want to tour Dublin and touch the stones
of Christ Church Cathedral,  and St. Patricks,
and Trinity College.
I want to walk the streets that Michael Collins once did
when he was hard-bent on the freedom of Ireland.
I want to view the rocky Cliffs of Moher
in County Clare,
and hear the sound of the Atlantic in all its glory
splash upon the rocks.
I want to kiss the Blarney Stone and view the ancient Hill of Tara.
I want to lose myself in the history and people of Ireland;
enjoy the laughter and camaraderie in Dublin's Temple Bar*;
stroll through the beautiful gardens at Powerscourt.
I want to become Ireland, if only for a few days.
I've had this dream.

(epilogue)
I'm going off to Ireland
my dream will be fulfilled
I'm going off to Ireland
then my heart it can be stilled.

but not stopped...

 
 *Temple Bar is not just a bar, though many bars are so named. It is a special section of Dublin on the South of the River Liffey, from Christ Church Cathedral to the Bank of Ireland, with great night spots, restaurants, and a variety of art, craft, and music shops. All streets are cobble stone. In the 18th century many skilled craftsmen and artisans lived and worked within this area. It was also home to many unwholesome brothels.

Original © Jackie (Micke) Jinks, May  2003

Not previously posted at A.D.