TRAVEL DIARIES

My Ireland
- by Marlene Carlson

Sisters, strangers, mothers, and friends
A trip of a lifetime to Ireland
We arrive after a sleepless flight to Dublin
With story-telling at the Brazen Head Inn
A remarkable gift with the spoken word
Always making sure their stories were heard
An evening with Mr. Butler we spent
Our hearts and mind we surely lent
Irish stew, fish cakes and Guinness so cold
Scone secrets by the Ballyknocken cook were told
Four million Irish, fourteen million sheep
The poor seconds at Waterford they do not keep
Up the 137 steps to the Blarney Stone
To lay back and kiss it - you are not alone
All through Anne's Garden we went a walking
The sights and smells were truly breathtaking
The music, the dance, the story at Tralee
An incredible band at the Towers in Killarney
A ride with Michael, the Jarvey into the park
Irish whiskey, Baileys and one more Guinness so dark
Dingle Town, Slea Head and sunshine galore
Left 22 gals only wanting more and more
Legends and folklore, smiles and tears
Giving us memories that will last for years
The Cliffs of Moher, and Castle at Bunratty
Honey mead, pork ribs and friends so chatty
Pure Aran wool so expertly knit together
Yellow gores, monkey trees, and soon to be heather
A rich heritage passed from father to son
And a poetry contest soon to be won
Thanks to Susan, Tom and guide Deidre
The enchanting country of Ireland I did see.


Marlene Carlson, Strathmore, Alberta
May 2008