Fionn and the Fianna were the army of the High Kings of Ireland. One of Fionn's favourite past-times was hunting in the Glenasmole above where I now live.


Fionn

you could hear
his heart break
for a thousand miles
as he stood upon
the rood stones

below his feet
Glenasmole
the valley of the thrushes
shone radiant
in the crisp spring air

his feet were bound
with leather and fustian
his left arm
an amulet wore
of brass gold
from those Wicklow Hills

his people were dying

not from hunger
from the land
but from the spirit
that had held them true
for Gael and slaughter

word of mouth
was killing them

so as he stood
on bog oak grey
and slaked his thirst
in burren brook
he roared
the lore
of
rising




Poetry by Peter Humphreys The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2008-04-13 at 21:19

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Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
My irish history is very rusty - I used to know a little about the kings - when I read your poetry I recall Newgrange (Brugh na Boinne)the river Boinne (Boyne) and listening to the stories

Elle x
2008-04-13