I have written my life
On tiny white petals
And have scattered the petals into the wind.
The Shadows will come
Demanding dues
And I, gathering the petals –
Those I find in cold robes of grey and muslin,
Which the Shadows have swathed –
Will see there are still tiny white petals
Scattered, beyond the clutches
Of the grim, grisly fingers
(And wish I had written more)
Until the Shadows come
At last
To claim my precious, white, life drops
And I find they are done.
Then do I rescue what remain
And step into the Shadows,
Clutching the withered petals to my breast
About the Creator
Marie McGrath
Things that have saved me:
Animals
Music
Sense of Humor
Writing
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Love Letters Through Time
Context: Grace (Gráinne) Gifford, was a participant in the Irish nationalist struggle against British rule, which led to ‘The Easter Rising’, Easter Monday, 1916 in Dublin, Ireland. She was betrothed to one of the leaders, who were due to be executed the morning after being taken prisoner. Joseph and Grace were married the night before in his prison cell. Joseph (Seosamh Pluinceid)) was one of the leaders of The Rising, a signatory of the Irish Proclamation and, in death, a revered Irish hero. These are my imaginings of ‘her’ final words to him. I include a few words in Irish Gaelic as the movement that led to the rebellion favored speaking Irish, instead of English. I would wager a guess, as they were both poets and writers in the Irish republican movement that she would have chosen to marry her love of country with her love of him in expressing her devotion.
By Marie McGrathExclusive • 11 months ago
Comments (6)
This was soooo beautifully penned! Loved your poem!
Your poem beautifully encapsulates the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitability of its end. It's both moving and thought-provoking.
your craftsmanship is amazing-- unsettling and beautiful
Oh, this is elegantly eerie—like dropping poetry into the wind and watching it dance before the Shadows snatch it up. Love the wistful “wish I had written more” moment. Feels like a poet’s eternal struggle, huh? Beautifully done!
Oh wow, this is impressive! Love your poem~
Nice work . Please check my stories out as well if you get a chance.