God Speed

In memory of Manchán Magan

 

My candle flickers against a backdrop

of white beam shaking its boughs

Trees toss and bow all over Ireland

doors rattle and the wind roars

We are battered by the 99 shades of rain

that he spoke of, 

and still one sun shines

It is no wonder, we say,

for a great soul is passing

His transition would be brief, he foretold

He asked for no blessings the last time he spoke

But here we are

lighting candles, whispering prayers, remembering 

wishing him God speed on his way home

Go dtéir slán,Manchán

Copyright 2025 Cathy Leonard

Overview- Manchán Magan

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2025/09/14/ninety-nine-words-for-rain-in-irish-could-it-actually-be-true/