The rocks in Erris (Mayo) are amongst the oldest in Ireland and the planet. They are between 1800-1900 million years old. It is of such rocks we are born, live and go forth.


pre-cambrian

in Erris
old men speak
of wild nights
but that night
was well beyond wild
its violence
boomed the dark
and made
the ancient rocks
cry
as rare times before
as out in
the spuming sea
a lone light
casts
a dim and flickering beam
vainly reaching out
as your finger tips
touched my
fevered brow
and
your eyes betrayed
the certainty
of sunrise
vain call



Poetry by Peter Humphreys
Read 882 times
Written on 2008-01-31 at 16:39

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Mark J. Wood
Hi Peter,

I didn't know that you were familiar with that Irish mechanic who specialises in old engines: I've known pre-cam Brian for years. It's not just the rocks in Erris that are old and tired.

I could feel the spray: it's as if you are being refreshed and soothed whilst being battered into mush. Sorry for the lack of time recently.

Mark.
2008-02-11


Rob Graber
A haunting analogy between the pathetic, vain beam and a lover's touch/look. Yet I find an optimistic interpretation of the ending is possible, even if unintended: "betrayed" as 'divulged' rather than 'was traitor to,' and an implied question mark at the end (?) In any case, a super poem!
2008-01-31