A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Wednesday 10 February 2016

A Gap In A Hedge

To know fully even one field or one land is a lifetime's experience . . .  a gap in a hedge, a smooth rock surfacing a narrow lane, a view of a woody meadow, the stream at the junction of four small fields — these are as much as a man can fully experience. PATRICK KAVANAGH The Parish and the Universe

Inniskeen Road: July Evening

The bicycles go by in twos and threes —
There's a dance in Billy Brennan's barn to-night,
And there's the half-talk code of mysteries
And the wink-and-elbow language of delight.
Half-past eight and there is not a spot
Upon a mile of road, no shadow thrown
That might turn out a man or woman, not
A footfall tapping secrecies of stone.

I have what every poet hates in spite
Of all the solemn talk of contemplation.
Oh, Alexander Selkirk knew the plight
Of being king and government and nation.
A road, a mile of kingdom, I am king
Of banks and stones and every blooming thing. 

PATRICK KAVANAGH

9 comments:

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Love the last two lines!

The Solitary Walker said...

Me too!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Don't know Patrick Kavanagh's poetry Robert but love this so shall look him up.

George said...

To be "king of banks and stones and every blooming thing" — this is sovereignty at its best, perhaps the only true sovereignty.

The Solitary Walker said...

Thanks for visiting, Pat and George.

Kavanagh is indeed a fine poet, and celebrates the 'small', backroad, backcountry wonders of his Irish county of Monaghan.

Angela said...

'To know fully even one field or one land is a lifetime's experience.' -What an amazing line...

The Solitary Walker said...

Thanks for your comment, Angela!

catharus said...

Beautiful! Love it!

The Solitary Walker said...

Glad you liked it, Catharus!