I was born and raised in the good ol' U.S. of A.
But my heart also belongs to a place far away,
An enchanted island of leprechauns and crying banshees,
Of rainbows, green fields, craggy hills and bent trees.
The constant sunshowers illuminate the grass.
Its emerald beauty dazzles the eyes as you pass.
The thatch-roofed cottages speak of simpler ways
And cause the mind to drift back to quieter days.
The glorious beauty of the land inspires deep, reverent silence
And makes you wonder how there can be any conflict or violence.
It makes you wish every man with a troubled heart and mind
Could spend a few months here and get them both realigned.
I would live there forever if I had my choice.
The silence makes it easy to hear God’s voice.
It’s in the whisper of the wind stirring the trees
And your spirit is invigorated by every breeze.
A rainbow forming over a glade’s babbling brook
Makes you abandon whatever you’re doing to look.
The water's teeming with life and the bank is, too.
It’s like a storybook, and the main character is you!
But you needn’t be in the country to love the “Emerald Isle”.
Whether north or south, you’ll always receive a bright smile
From the kind-hearted Irish folk, the nicest people on earth.
They’ve survived much adversity with pride, humor and mirth.
In fact, the Irish have a greeting that's unique to them alone.
I can’t really describe it. You would simply have to be shown.
It’s a subtle turn of the head and an impish wink of the eye
That seems to say, “Isn’t it great, friend, just to be alive?”
So come along with me now to a quieter place,
A land that forgot to join this mad human race.
There are some interesting people I’d like you to meet
Just over that hill there and down the next street.
You just might recognize them as family because
Half the world’s Irish, and half wishes it was!
Author notes
Written July 7th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- The luck o' the Irish by PaintAdam.
300 points, ended August 19, 2005, 5 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
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Hi Symphony,
I've been back to Ireland many times and I'm aware of the problems between north and south / Catholic and Protestant, but you're right - there are a few lines that are pure fantasy - re. leprechauns, etc. They were more of a statement on the lore of Ireland than the reality. However, the lines that refer to the beauty of the land and the character of the people are true in my experience. Ireland is as beautiful as ever, and though there are unpleasant people everywhere you go in this world, as a whole the Irish, north or south, have always been very kind to me. I must confess, though - I have never actually seen a banshee or a leprechaun. lol
Thanks for stopping by.
Mark
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Totally perfect. Thank you so much for entering. I think everything about your poem is great and a definite Gold winner
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Sounds very much like the Americanised idea of Ireland - not sure how much truth is in there
Nice job though -
Wow, Being Irish myself I found that to be a beautiful tribute to my homeland
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WOw what great imagery you have here. with the picture you have painted with your words made me feel like I was on a magical journey to such a beautiful place
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Aye, this would be Ireland through and through. Depicted as only someone as passionatey in love with the land coud! This was wonderfully penned...made me glance outside and sigh with content to be home...My wife will love this...I'll get her on to check it out. best of luck in the contest, you have our vote.
- Draven -
'...In fact, the Irish have a greeting that's unique to them alone.
I can’t really describe it. You would simply have to be shown.
It’s a subtle turn of the head and an impish wink of the eye
That seems to say, “Isn’t it great, friend, just to be alive?”
So come along with me now to a quieter place,
A land that forgot to join this mad human race.
There are some interesting people I’d like you to meet
Just over that hill there and down the next street.
You just might recognize them as family because
Half the world’s Irish, and half wishes it was!'
I know I do!!! hehehe 
Gorgeous, gorgeous!!! Ohhhh, I know someone that needs to see this...LOL 
Namely, Liadan (hobbitscanfly) & her husband, Draven (hobbitsinthesky)...Bravo, Marky L!!! 
Wanda
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Thanks, Sara!
Yes, I have a big soft spot for the land where my dear wee mammy and papa were born and raised. Every time I go back, I see the little kids (or wee lads as they're called there) playing in the streets and think that's how I would have been if my parents hadn't moved to California. The Irish are wonderful people. A bit quirky, but wonderful. lol
1/6th Irish, eh? See, I told you half the world is Irish! (We fool around a lot. haha)
Love ya,
Uncle Mark -
Take me with you! Take me with you! I'll tackle you first with my hugs and kisses!!!! I am 1/6 Irish, 1/6 German, and 3/4 Native American (Creek) as you could probably tell from the pics I mailed you. I have red streaks in my hair and I often joke and tell people that the Irish is coming outta me ... As always I love your poem, its so upbeat and refreshing. Hopefully I'll be writing more like that soon. Love you! MUAH! ---Sara
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Oh Mark! I should have known from your kind comments that you are familiar with the place I call the "Nameless Love" a life full of Love, wonder and enchantment.
And you're Irish too! I think I have a new favorite! -
wow. this poem beautifully intertwines your country and culture as i like to see it done. very nice. maybe i'll go to ireland someday! GOOD JOB!!! keep up the good work!
- pingpong -
Hi Mark,
Another truth? Irish eh? Well no wonder you are so nice, I did meet a few people when I was in Coventry, UK. and I know that they are one of the most beautiful people in the world, My fiance is Irish but here forefathers settled in Tennessee.
I can literally imagine the Isle, and the feeling you get of this place your ancestors came from. I too feel it all the time about mine. A very vivid write, very lively!
Loved it!!! all the best in the contest, this should definitely top!!
Lencio
Edited on Jul 11, 3:42 p.m. because ''. -
Excellent! A pleasure to read!
My mother's name was Gallagher..my ancestors lived in Donegal, Ireland. I've always wanted to visit so I could find out how many Gallaghers are still living there. It is so beautiful there. I traveled via the internet.
Loved your poem and the Thomas Kinkade picture! I have that pic' too (with and without the running stream).
Wishing you the luck of the Irish!
♥ Maureen
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Magnificent writing, Mark...worthy of a pot of gold (or, at least, a gold trophy!)
It is indeed a beautoful place in every sense of the word. Never ask someone if they are Irish. If they are, they will tell you without asking and, if they're not, there's no sense embarrasing them!
Good luck! :0 -
well,i never before wished i was irish but after reading the devotion in this and the descriptive nature of the place,i most certainly do now.i would love to go where there are people who are that friendly.who wouldn't?you really did your thang with this,mark.you painted very astutely a picture that puts hope in the hearts of those who want to know such a place exist.
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Beautiful ,enigmatic and full of great imagery .It was a pleasure to get transported to this beautiful isle .Eye opening to another world another land ,people and culture .Warm ,spirited poetry ,written from the heart!
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Yes, I did! Thanks for the pic. Do you mean County Antrim? I've never heard of "County Trim" before.
I'll be out of town for three days. Have a great weekend!
Mark -
I see you got my mail! It is beautiful isn't it? Great write! It does bring thoughts of the Emerald Isle. One day I will travel there and see the place for who I was named, County Trim. After I visit France, and the volcano. Have a great day!
Michelle -
aha what a dream house
...many of us wish to live in a peaceful place like this...yes, true it has a heavnly effect to
the speciality of the place where I live is ..
being in a extra crowded city like bombay...my house is located near a creek and is engulfed in gulmohar trees ....I do have a small garden all around my balcony
oh the flowers drive me crazzzy!
and yeah about ireland...never been there ..definitely it seems it would be extra interesting the way you have said here
yeh irish boy?? -
Nice ending on a so very well metered piece Mark.
You brought such great isle imagery to the piece that I could imagine this posted on a tourist board or as the inner temptings of a brochure to call us there. It's a poem that rings of tranquility and life - and yes, the lack of chaos we find more often than not in our cities here.
Granted, I'm only a tenth irish - quite the mutt really looking more pale faced latina than anything, but I still have my little claddaugh ring in the jewelry box from when I was a kid.
Nicely done.
Kim
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