Lady Leitrim

by Sinead Cregan Ryan

I am the breath, the laughter, the touch, the cry,
the holding, the comfort, a tear, a sigh, creating, inking, writing this poem, 
dancing, rhyming, twilling to come home.

I am flowing in ripples of lakes and rivers,
chaos in oceans, furring in quivers. 
I am leafing on shrubs, stigma in flowers,
swaying on trees, stillness in towers.

I am sanded at sea - slightly unsettled,
planted in gardens, find me in petals.
Sprinkle me with droplets, dance me in rains.
Earth me in darkness, I am witness to your pains.

For my wisdom is unfolding in each crease upon your face.
Joyful youth has never left you, hold strong now in your grace.
Breathe me in at tender moments for courage in despair.
Track my guidance clearly etching into silver strands of hair.

Thus, ground me to your anchor child, it’s time to come afloat.
Rest with me by the shore here, be present to your boat. 
It is weathering the journey of being, you have never been alone.
This boat has been our vessel. This boat is sailing you home.