Offaly poet pens verse in honour of President Michael D. Higgins
'An Duine Uaisle' hais President as 'someone born to lead'
IN honour of President Michael D. Higgins, Offaly poet, Mary Egan Campbell, has put pen to paper.
" I wrote this piece in tribute to the wonderful career of our beloved President," said Mary.
The poem reads as follows:
An Duine Uaisle
Stature does not mark the measure
Of someone born to lead
Whose wisdom and wit marry
With a true and loyal heart
A gentleman and a scholar
With a voice that resonates
the powerful conviction and pride within
The spirit of ancient Éire fuels
His passion and belief in
what is just and right, shining a beacon
Of light across the globe
Inspiring his people to follow
His lead, to be saviours not
Soldiers, gardeners of peace
Not gravediggers, of the poor
the down trodden, the weak
A poetic stream of consciousness
In his words of hope
A prayer for justice in every line
And in his quiet journey to the end
of an inspiring, all-empowering run
We will reflect on his time with us
Reminding us of our rich
And colourful language
Our gifted heritage as artists,
poets, musicians and healers
Born to be teachers, just like him,
To share our talents and our wisdom like
A blanket of love over the world
We will cherish his legacy
A new patriotism and fire
Burning in our bellies as he leaves us
to ponder our duty to this country,
this planet we serve
To gather and nurture the seeds of kindness
And generosity of spirit
Scattered in his wake
(Go n-éirí an bóthar leis)
(C) Mary Egan Campbell