Fighting Irish

For My Father

Hills alight with flowing green,

grey rocks for walls and homes.
The day ablaze with fair colleens

step dancing and blarney stones

A place where whiskey and tea

vie for the national thirst.
Where all expect your loyalty

and double crosses are cursed.

Tread lightly those to us unknown

for Celts we are still now,

and if  its found fists must be thrown

we'll gladly show you how

Reviews

[kublakhan27]

I came to this expecting a token St.Patrick's Day poem, but boy was I wrong, and I'm glad I was...not glad for the subject matter of course, but glad to be enthralled and touched by a poem I relate to all too well...this month actually marks the three-year anniversary of my Dad's passing. You know you have my sympathy and best wishes my friend. A beautiful elegy you've penned here.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much. It has been for all accounts a painful day. I really appreciate your kind words. Those dates on the calendar can be powerful reminders.

[kublakhan27]

Always a pleasure my friend.

[Frieda P]

I have goosebumps reading this, knowing what it means to you and thinking of an old Irish friend of mine who's since passed on...can't really say much aside from it touched my heart Anne. Tread lightly indeed...

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Frieda...we appear quiet but we are really pretty intense. Sorry about your friend. I think of where I come from on this day of all days. 'Twas a big deal when I was a child in Boston and the impact of that culture, genetics and lineage has been pretty profound in shaping me into the person I am.

[Frieda P]

Funny story, but in a sad way, he always said he wanted to go on a bar stool with a beer in his hand, sure enough the big lug got his wish, he had a huge heart literally and figuratively and he lived large...

I don't think you're quiet in the least Anne, at least I know for a fact, you carry a big Irish stick! And thanks for sharing this one....

[icelandicblue]

Walk softly and carry a big stick I say (Thanks Teddy Roosevelt). I was a quiet kid, very introspective and nervous about everything. Little did I know it was just getting me ready for reality.I have only come out of my shell as an adult but I carry that kid with me, as well as, that big-a*s stick.

[Frieda P]

Ha I don't wanna tell you what us Italiano's carry around with us. ;-)

[icelandicblue]

That's why you walk in front...ah for protection, that's the ticket.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i am loving this...not irish, italian and french mostly...but i like the irish way...

and this expresses that philosophy so well.

[icelandicblue]

HiYa jacob. Thanks so much. I am pleased that I captured a frisson of the green in this one.

[Rita L. Sev]

My proud Irish grandmother would have loved this - and so do I, Blue (or shall I call you Green today?) The first stanza actually brought simultaneous tears and smiles - such a lovely picture you painted!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Rita. Your response warmed my heart. Happy St. Patrick's Day. I guess today I'm kellygreen.

[redflutterby]

Loved this one Anne...being part Irish myself I took this to heart. Of course the Scot in me is a little jealous. Lol... ;-D

[icelandicblue]

We're all Celts! Thanks red ; )

[redflutterby]

Good point Anne...lol!! ;-)

[A. Amos]

Great write my friend, love the place, where whishkey and tea:)

[icelandicblue]

Thanks A. Amos- Happy St. Patrick's Day.

[Baby Ricochet]

I've never been to Ireland but after reading this poem it's as if I have

[icelandicblue]

Thanks BR I appreciate that.

[therisa]

This poem reminded me, of my Scottish highlander roots, on my mom's side. From one Celt to another, have a happy St. Patrick's Day.

[icelandicblue]

Same to you therisa. Thank you.

[therisa]

Your welcome.

[Jack...]

And a Happy St. Patrick's day to you my friend. You have nailed it with this one...I could hear the cheers in the baroom as I read this.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Jack. I appreciate it.