Seamus Heaney

Where had we come from, what was this kingdom We knew we'd been restored to? Then rubbing your eyes and seeing our old brush Up on the byre door, and keeping going. #HUNIRL #COYBIG

A four foot box, a foot for every year.

But still he was glad, I know, when I stood my ground, Putting it up to him With a smile that trumped his smile and his fool’s errand, Waiting for the next move in the game.

When human beings found out about death They sent the dog to Chukwu with a message: They wanted to be let back to the house of life. They didn’t want to end up lost forever Like burnt wood disappearing into smoke Instead they saw their souls in a flock at twilight

Unfazed by light, to make a new beginning: And make a go of it, alive and sinning, Ourselves again, free-willed again, not bad.

In drifts of sleep I came upon you Buried to your waist in snow. You reached your arms out: I came to Like water in a dream of thaw.

Masons, when they start upon a building,
Are careful to test out the scaffolding; Make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points,
Secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints… Never fear. We may let the scaffolds fall
Confident that we have built our wall.

Northern reticence, the tight gag of place And times: yes, yes. Of the "wee six" I sing Where to be saved you only must save face And whatever you say, you say nothing.

And catch the heart off guard and blow it open.

And some time make the time to drive out west Into County Clare, along the Flaggy Shore, In September or October, when the wind And the light are working off each other So that the ocean on one side is wild

who would connive in civilized outrage at sectarian killing and sacrifice, yet understand the exact and tribal, intimate revenge.

Believe that a farther shore Is reachable from here. Believe in miracles And cures and healing wells.

The war put all men mad, horned, horsed, or roof-posted, the boasting and the bested.

And some time make the time to drive out west Into County Clare, along the Flaggy Shore, In September or October, when the wind And the light are working off each other So that the ocean on one side is wild With foam and glitter

Noli timere Don't be afraid. Remembering Seamus Heaney who died on this day in 2013.