John Anthony Brennan's Blog (131)

The Storytellers.

This I wrote as a tribute to all writers, poets, musicians and artists, who from time to time experience bouts of what I call the nasty, malodoros S.S.E. (shitty self-esteem). Consider this as a pat on the back which will encourage us to keep on creating and hopefully ward off the regrets.

All artists, writers, musicians and poets have the uncanny ability to tap into the realm of spirit. It is a gift that enables us to transcend the mundane, and experience the world as we see and feel…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 30, 2014 at 11:00am — No Comments

The Rapparee

In memory of my ancestor William Brennan (Brennan on the moor) who chose to become a highwayman after his forebears were ousted from their ancestral home in county Kilkenny, during the Norman invasion of Ireland.

He rode from high to the valley floor,

then hid behind the rowan tree.

It was time to settle a deep-set score

and seek vengeance for his family.



They took the land they took their pride,

rode roughshod o'er the scattered…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 26, 2014 at 7:30am — No Comments

The First One

Ireland emerged slowly from the death grip of the last ice-age around 10,000 years ago. The land bridges which connected it with its nearest neighbors, England and Scotland, vanished as the vast…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 17, 2014 at 7:30pm — No Comments

The Swans

 

He glides across the smooth lakes’ surface,

but she is nowhere in sight.

Stately he moves on ever through the night.

A moonbeam beckons to a hidden place,

where once they did dwell.

Fasted now! Maybe she lays there

and love again might they share.

 

But no earthly sign now, only pain.

Mute and no sound…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 14, 2014 at 9:00am — No Comments

The Enchantress

The Enchantress is the last poem in a trilogy. "The Hill" is the first one followed by "The Solstice."

The Enchantress

They used to…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 11, 2014 at 9:00pm — No Comments

The Hill

Atop the mystical hill of Tara stands the stone of Fal, one of four treasures brought to Ireland by the Tuatha de Dannan. It is otherwise known as the ‘stone of destiny.’ There, through the ages, all ard ri (high kings) were crowned. Marriage ceremonies took place there also. These rites were always blessed by the Druid, the holy man of the Celtic peoples. The Brehons, the…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 9, 2014 at 11:00am — No Comments

The Night Owls

My writing has always been deeply influenced by the Irish writers whose inspiration prompted me to pick up the quill and follow in their footsteps.  This is my humble tribute to William Butler Yeats ...

I went down to the cool, dark woods,

when night owls were on the wing.

On earthly ghosts and raging floods

embraced my lonely…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 7, 2014 at 2:30pm — No Comments

The Real Ireland

I set up my blog here with the intention of telling the real, deeper story of the land of our collective birth -- Ireland.  Mise Eire. Not the watered-down, errant Hollywood version. Not the version beaten into us by harsh invaders. The real deal, if you like. Anyone reading it…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 7, 2014 at 12:00pm — 2 Comments

The Singing Bones

"A writer is not interested in explaining reality. He’s only interested in capturing it.” ~ Brendan Kennelly.

 Inside my father's bones lie a million secrets.

 Secrets passed down the long chain from…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 6, 2014 at 11:00am — 13 Comments

Don't Die With Regrets.

John Anthony Brennan is a native of Crossmaglen, a small, tough town in County Armagh, Ireland. A town, like Ireland herself, which has survived much pain and hardship through the centuries beneath the invaders harsh heel. His new book,…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on August 6, 2014 at 10:00am — 6 Comments

Ferguson: The 'Mad Mechanic' From the Mourne Mountains

Pictured Harry Ferguson and Henry Ford.

Repost in honor of his Birthday.

Henry George "Harry" Ferguson, 4 November 1884 – 25 October…

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Added by John Anthony Brennan on November 3, 2013 at 5:00pm — 2 Comments

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