Santiago de Compostella

Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella made by my friends by boat in 2004 I think.

Santiago de Compostella

 

There are gale force winds

Slashing against my window

I’m tucked up in bed

Safe in the knowledge

That I’m not lying in the gutter

Of the trail that leads to The Camino.

 

I spent the day back in Clogher;

God’s face a reflection of the raging winds,

Mannanán’s swollen face

Crashing against the rocks

Relentlessly.

 

I felt drawn towards the waves

As if the Jeanie Johnston was calling me;

But I’m glad I’m not sailing today

I’m not sure about my friends

Are they brave or foolish?

 

The ship sails on May Day.

A wonderful adventure for some

A week of vomiting for others.

 

I pray the pilgrims will be able to endure

The galloping unicorns.

I hope these magical creatures will guard

These mariners;

That the Dingle pilgrims may ride

On the backs of the sea-horses

And light a candle at James’ tomb

For their loved ones back at home.

 

Reviews

[Betty]

Wow, what a wonderful poem. The imagery, the emotion was what i most adored. The worst part about being left behind is the anxiety we have to deal with until our loved ones are back at home in one peace. Anyone can relate to this poem, and it's written in such a spectacular way.

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

Thank you so much Betty :)

[ANTO]

My God isn't it strange that you wrote this Maria - who would have thought those poor pilgrims would have met such an untimely end after visiting the shrine you wrote about.
God pray for them all

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

Yes Anto it's very strange and stranger still is the fact that it happened on the eve of the feast of St. James. He's the patron saint of Santiago de Comp. And our church here is named after him. There's no such thing as coincidence in my books. By the way I haven't posted any poetry for a while as I'm not feeling great. You gave me the incentive to try again so thank you. I'll be posting and catching up next week please God.

[ANTO]

Awk - Maria. Take care. Im sorry you're not feeling well. I think maybe writing will help lift you my friend.
God Bless
X

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

I think you're right Anto. Thanks :-)

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

I have these plans to write another book and it's overwhelming but I'll get through it.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A most descriptive and piercing piece. The imagery alone drags the reader in and holds them, well done, good read.

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

Thanks a million Thomas. So glad you liked it :)

[ANTO]

I liked the choice of words and the whole ambience of this piece.
Slashing, crashing and raging - I totally got the feeling of a stormy Irish sea Maria. '
Wind 'slashing' at a window conveys the horror of the gales brilliantly.
Glad I wasn't in the boat, God help your friends. Pilgrims are indeed driven people.
More of this...
X

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

Thanks so much Anto. Much appreciated. The boat they were in is a reconstructed Famine ship so it has alot of history. Very scary though because the boat was fragile. .. At least I thought so !!

[ANTO]

All boats are fragile - being from the birthplace of the Titanic I think Im allowed to say that...read moreAll boats are fragile - being from the birthplace of the Titanic I think Im allowed to say that...
Id have loved to have seen that boat.
X

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

Very true you're right

[Gene Denham]

Very moving and beautifully worded.

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

Thank you very much Gene

[Ravyne Hawke]

Beautifully written poem, tight and concise with great imagery and flow. Other than the areas I added on the Group, I think this is a well done poem about a pilgrimage and the one left at home worrying about her friends.

[Maria Ni Mhurchu]

Thanks Lori. That's great.