The History of The Irish...Worldwide
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 the
beginning of time and the vastness of space.
In the glorious mix of diversity, endlessly
coursing through the shrouded mists of the
Holy Island, he breathes still. The memories
of his people, absorbed by the stones and the
very earth herself, exhale all that ever was and
inhales all that will ever be.
Their essence still permeates, insisting that it
be never forgotten.
From Cessair, through Fomorian,
Nemedian, Fir Bolg, Tuatha, Milesian,
Celt, Viking, Saxon and Norman, I inhaled that
cocktail of life with eager lungs and magnificent
surprise. I am inside my father's bones and my
father is inside mine.
He is the beggar-man, the holy man, the master
and the freeman. He still walks the fields, sure of foot.
He still wades the stream, fearless. He still lures the
trout, with a quiet assuredness.
He still charms the goldfinch from her tree-top
perch, ever gently. Yes, I am inside my father’s
bones, and he is inside mine.
His bones sing loud enough for me to hear
even in the darkest, deepest silence of the
night. On quiet evenings, I can still hear his
melodic whistling, floating on the air,
ever calling me.
Watch a video of the reading here:
From "The Journey: A Nomad Reflects."
For Sale at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692500944/ref=rdr_ext_tmb
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Comment by Ryan O'Rourke on August 7, 2014 at 4:16am
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Absolutely lovely work here, John. I'm one who struggles to find meaning in many poems, but you've struck a chord with me here. Well done, and thanks for sharing.
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Comment by kimberly on August 7, 2014 at 7:53am
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Just beautiful!!! you are a real talent..hope you continue to write!
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Comment by Bit Devine on August 7, 2014 at 10:20am
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Maith thú, a chara! Well honed and such an honour paid
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Admin Comment by Fran Reddy on August 7, 2014 at 7:33pm -
Lovely poem and ode to your Dad :)
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Comment by John Anthony Brennan on August 7, 2014 at 7:39pm
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Thanks Fran
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Comment by Jean Sullivan Cardinal on August 8, 2014 at 2:33pm
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Beautiful, thank you for sharing.
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Thanks Jean...
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Comment by Gerry Regan on August 9, 2014 at 11:02am
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John, you may be the best kept secret in Irish literature, or perhaps I simply need to get out more. Where has your extraordinary work been published?
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A Cairde Gerry,
Thank youfor the kind words. My new book titled "Don't Die With Regrets" is for sale on
Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com
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Comment by Jim Curley on August 10, 2014 at 7:35am
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Beautiful poem, great thoughts. Thank you, John.
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