Daybreak,
and a blood-red sullen sun
bestrides the ocean.
The heathens are gone now,
their baleful boats slicing the sea
like death in motion.
Heartache,
as among the fire-molested ruins
I walk alone,
hearing only the seagulls cry,
the ceaseless crashing of the waves
and the soft wind's moan.
Secure,
on Skellig's towering rocks, we thought
we were immune
from the squabbling world's travails;
at peace with God, the stars above,
and the lonely moon.
Endure,
I must now endure the pain
of bitter loss;
my brother monks lie dead,
slain by the Norsemen's bloody hands,
and I must bear the cross.
Despair
settles on my troubled shoulders
like a shroud;
hope and human happiness all gone,
the world as grey and bleak to me
as a winter cloud.
Bare
my soul to God now,
as I must,
and ask the terrible question;
why have you let this happen, Lord,
if you are just?
Author notes
This poem refers to the sacking, in the 10th century, of an island monastery by the Vikings. The name Skellig refers to Skellig Michael, a rocky island situated about 8 miles off the coast of Co. Kerry, Ireland. This was where the monastery was located.
Written September 4th, 2006
A contest entry
- Are you a poet? by Sharcu.
300 points, ended September 13, 2006, 9 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Poet Laureate of all AP for the year 2007 Contest # 87 at The Winkler by Andantino.
875 points, ended January 12, 2007, 65 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Rhyming Poetry Contest by Heavens Child.
800 points, ended April 29, 2008, 39 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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Indeed, you are a voice to be reckoned with, my Friend. This is a very powerful, pure penning of such a magnitude as to humble most who encounter its wisdom and clarity. Congratulations on a well-earned bronze, Bill. 
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Beautifully written and constructed. I enjoyed this piece very much. Best wishes and thank you for entering.
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Thank you, Sharcu, for your favourable comments and I'm pleased that my author's comments made the poem more enjoyable to read.
Cheers
Bill -
After reading your author's comments and the history behind the poem, it made it that much better of an enjoyable read. Well done! Thanks for entering
--Tim -
Go raibh maith agat, Ellie, as do ple faoi mo dan--ta athas orm.
Wish I knew how you do fadas! Also wish my "Gaeilge " was a bit more "liofa."
Slan leat anois,
Liam -
Wow, I don't really know much about monasteries or Sceilig Mhichil or that early history (I love history but I just don't know a lot about that time)... I liked reading this though even though there is sadness in it. I think it is very poetically written. lots of luck in the contest and always
Ellie 
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You're making me blush, janet! Thank you for your encouragement--I don't know about it being a winner, but I'm pleased you like the poem.
Cheers
Bill -
wonderful absolutely wonderful. I loved the way you put this together. this has winner written all over it..
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Thanks, Di, for your encouraging response and for wishing me luck--glad you like this one.
Warm regards,
Bill -
Hi, loved it, very smooth and great visuals,this is a very good poem, and I wish you all the best in the comp, you have my applause, hugs Di
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