Castle Writers
Out of the Cocoon
Athlone 2020
Bealtaine Writing Project Summer Solstice The sacred Hill of Uisneach, in the centre of our land, Is still a place of mystery that we strive to understand. To mark the Summer Solstice, people came from far and wide, To spend time in deep reflection, as they walked the green hillside. We visited the Catstone, where Erin’s goddess lies And sat in meditation, beneath the summer skies. And then we walked in mindfulness, to reach the highest place On that green hill of Uisneach, full of majesty and grace. As we measured our own heartbeats by the rhythmic drumbeat We inhaled the breath of summer in this ancient royal seat. The sound of a lone piper wafted on the perfumed air As we turned of faces westward, for a sight beyond compare. And hundreds sat in silence, to watch the setting sun, As five millennia ago, our forefathers have done. The golden orb sank lower in the sky, to the northwest The sun-god Lugh bade us adieu, upon the hilltop crest. And as the last faint rays were seen to vanish from our sight We bade farewell to longest day, embraced the shortest night. This mystic place of myth and lore remains for us today A place of peace ‘till time shall cease and Earth has passed away. Margaret Franklin. June Solstice 2018 The above poem won the Tom Geoghegan memorial trophy 2019.
42
