Mo Theaghlach

A poem written in the medieval Irish style of Conachlonn

I invoke the blessings of my people

People strong of arm and will and heart

Heart filled, I knot a banner-strip of spirit here;

Hear tied within these words my truths of family

Family born and family grown and none alone.

Lone-lessoned, song-seasoned turbulent Ireland

Ireland is the home of my fathers

Father I, line lengthened, strengthened with mine own son.

Sons and daughters of Ireland I call family

Family chosen, trusted guards for where I am blind

Blind trust is shared: my choice to ward their backs.

Back through the years we have gathered

Gathered, husbands, wives and children all

All met in fellowship and joy

Joy in our strength, in our family, in our love.

Love is the laughing eyes

Eyes shining with playful spirit

Spirit that glows from a heart of beauty

Beauty that builds with every year.

Years of Grace, whole with humbling duty:

Duty as a caretaker, holding hearts

Hearts cupped in gentle hands.

Hands of a father, a husband’s hope

Hope that golden shining time stills and love

Love dwells in our souls forever.

Forever, may this song ring

Ring from the lips of one such as I.

I invoke the blessings of my people

People fair, sons and daughters of Ireland

Ireland is the home of my fathers

Father I am, Son am I

I am the blood of Eire.