Did you realize that OldPoetry has a discussion board? You can go there and suggest poets who may not have been added to the amazing list of writers who already exist. You can discuss your favorite poetry and offer suggestions. Why not go take a look and see what is going on over there. There might be something of interest that you had not previously considered. Curiousity piqued yet?
This week many of us observed the St. Patrick's Day Celebration. I am half Italian and half Irish. From the time I can remember, I can hear my Irish father saying..."Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!" This holiday was always a very significant one for me, obviously.
This week's column will provide you with the history of St. Patrick, some wonderful Irish poetry...and, of course, a HUNT (see below) which relates to this theme. Although we are all familiar with St. Patrick's Day, it seems many people have very little factual information regarding who "St. Patrick" really was. It's not all green beer and corned beef and cabbage! lol. Read on.
The man who has come to be known as St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn. He became the bishop of Ireland.
Prior to the age of 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, however, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. While in captivity, he became closer to God. He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for twelve years. During this time, he came to believe that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity.
He wished to return to Ireland to convert the native pagans to Christianity, but his superiors appointed St. Palladius instead. Two years later, Palladius transferred and Patrick (who had adopted that Christian name earlier) was appointed as second bishop to Ireland.
Patrick was successful at winning converts and this upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times but always managed to escape.
He traveled throughout Ireland establishing monasteries across the country. Additionally, he set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.
His mission in Ireland spanned thirty years. After that time, Patrick finally retired to County Down. He died on March 17, AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.
Lore associated with St. Patrick's Day:
- There has been lore that includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead.
- The very popular story of how Patrick gave a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. However, no snakes have ever been native to Ireland. Some believe this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans.
St. Patrick's Day was originally a Catholic holy day, however, over the years it has evolved into more of a secular holiday. One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. This stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick would use the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.
The St. Patrick's Day custom came to America in the year 1737. That was the first year the holiday was publicly celebrated in this country. The first celebration was held in Boston, Massachusetts.
Now that we all know a little bit more about St. Patrick, I would like to introduce everyone to some wonderful Irish poets. Why not take a few minutes to read each of these poems and comment on them:
1. I shall not Die for thee - Padriac Colum
oldpoetry.com/poetry/26217
2. Blackberry-picking - Seamus Heaney
oldpoetry.com/poetry/6401
3. Father and Child - William Butler Yeats
oldpoetry.com/poetry/17425
4. The Frog - Paul Muldoon
oldpoetry.com/poetry/23383
5. A Dream - William Allingham
oldpoetry.com/poetry/9519
HUNT TIME!
This week I am keeping it pretty simple. There are two very separate parts to this and both must be completed in order to receive the points.
Part I.
1. Go to OldPoetry. Be sure you are logged in.
2. Find 5 poems with the word "saint" within the text (not just the title).
3. Comment and critique each of these poems.
4. In a comment on this column, provide a link to each comment/critique you have done.
It should look like this example:
1. I shall not Die for thee - Padriac Colum
oldpoetry.com/poetry/26217
Part II.
1. Write a limerick in honor of St. Patrick.
2. Add the limerick to your comment on this column along with the entry for Part I.
The first four people to complete both parts will receive 50 points! Plus, there is a hidden bonus within the column worth another 50 points.
Good Luck! Now go read some OLDPOETRY!
Unbridled1
Disclaimer:
Part I. If your comments/critiques are mainly comprised of copying and pasting the poem itself into the comment, you will be disqualified and will not receive the points. I am looking for well done comments and critiques and not simply, "Wow, I loved this so much."
Adding your comment:
If I weren't slacking off at work and using the boss's computer instead of working, I would try this! But unfortunatly... well, you know my story. 
