A sunny day in northern Michigan. A long walk past farmland and on to a wooded trail. Three Seamus Heaney poems to deliver, three poems full of the most beautiful nouns and verbs but also full of death. Three watchful deer who scared the bejeebers out of me and two wrong turns that added miles […]
MoreMy eighth grade year was the Bicentennial year, and to celebrate our class put on a play. Our ever-enthusiastic music teacher Mrs. Enright put together a musical revue of U.S. history. The only part of the play I remember was singing the give-me-your-tired-your-poor portion of Emma Lazarus’ “New Colossus.” I can still sing it today, […]
MoreA Drink of Water by Seamus Heaney She came every morning to draw water Like an old bat staggering up the field: The pump’s whooping cough, the bucket’s clatter And slow diminuendo as it filled, Announced her. I recall Her grey apron, the pocked white enamel Of the brimming bucket, and the treble […]
MoreThe great Irish poet Seamus Heaney has died, only 74 years old. Obituaries characterize him as a rock star among poets, and that was my experience of him, long before I had even read his poems. Years ago I went to hear him read at the University of Michigan with a dear friend. This […]
MoreMother of the Groom by Seamus Heaney – What she remembers Is his glistening back In the bath, his small boots in the ring of boots at her feet. – Hands in her voided lap, she hears a daughter welcomed. It’s as if he kicked when lifted and slipped her soapy hold. – Once soap […]
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