As Maddie mentioned before, we are both in beginning poetry this semester. I just put together a “memory” poem about my trip 8 years ago to Ireland, a very important trip for my mom and I. Even though you wouldn’t guess it, my family’s Irish heritage is very important to us, including my dad, who could have some Irish background, but we’re not sure. Anyway, long story short, here’s my (FIRST) draft of this poem:
Céad Míle Fáilte (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes):
A Love Letter to Ireland
There are no pictures to help remember,
But maybe that’s best.
Every once in a while
A smell with tickle my nose
And it takes me back to the nice Manor
With scented toilet paper.
My memory is a scrap book
Of when we visited the land
Where our ancestors walked for centuries.
The old men looked like dolls,
Sitting in pubs, speaking Gaelic,
Hair white and cheeks pink.
Butterflies fill my stomach as
I think of listening to British pop
While looking at grey rocks and skies.
Driving past green hills dotted with sheep
And casual 500 year old castles
Standing like abandoned barns in the country.
The most meaningful part was probably
When I laid down on the old castle bricks
And trusted an old man to support me
As I pulled myself towards the ancient stone,
Hanging upside down as I kissed Blarney
And received the gift of gab.
Nowhere compares to Eire
The Emerald of the world
Erin go bragh
There you go! Again, this a first draft!