Ireland's Magic Harp

In many parts of the world, St Patrick’s Day was celebrated this past weekend. St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fourth century. According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.

The author of today’s poem, " The Ledgend of  Ireland's Magic Harp" is unknown. I posted it because I liked its simplicity and its rhythm. The picture of Dundrum Castle has nothing to do with the poem, but it is a nice glimpse of an Irish countryside scene. Both the poem and the photo were found on websites featuring Irish trivia.

I have no Irish blood in my family background; my wife, Sharron, has Irish from her mother’s side of the family. Whether you’re Irish, on not, it’s still fun to join into the festivities….

 

In the misty hills of Ireland
A long, long time ago,
There lived a lovely Irish lass
Who loved her father so.

One day he went to fetch some wood,
But he did not soon return,
And so his loving daughter's heart
Was filled with great concern.

She searched for him throughout the day,
And when a fog came in
She wept, for she was fearful
They would never meet again.

Then suddenly, a little band

Of leprechauns came by.
They all were very saddened.
To hear the lovely maiden cry.

They asked if they might have a lock

Of her long and golden hair,
Then tied the silken strands across
A crooked limb with care.

'Twas a magic harp they'd made,
And when the maiden touched each strand,
The music led her father home
Across the misty land.

And to this day the harp remains
A cherished symbol of
The blessings of the hearth and home
The Irish dearly love.

 STUFF:

An Irish toast……….                                          

     There are good ships,                       
     and there are wood ships,
     The ships that sail the sea.
     But the best ships, are friendships,
     And may they always be.