"Memories of Gougane Barra"
The sun hovered above us, young heads, glistening smiles,
Shimmering lagoons, dancing jocundly
A wonderful world enveloped in beauty alone
Long, twisting lanes unfolding before us,
Unfolding so gently, gently like silky serenades,
Happiness overwhelmed me amidst this peaceful fantasia
Schoolgirls laughed in lush green meadows
Innocent giggles, peaceful sighs, a dove upon a steeple,
A small church stood upon a hill,
Graceful memories embedded in its walls,
A stony cemetery where dead men lie,
They lie in perfect harmony,
This is a world full of love and laughter,
full of carefree memories,
A hearty laugh from a wise old nun
She speaks of days gone by
Days abundant with joyful ponderings
Romantic visions of lakes and woods
We listen readily in awe, passionately grasping
Passionately holding to these wild and wonderful tales
Of saints and scholars, of a world free of tears and sorrow,
We listen, we hear, we remember forever,
Forever, forever, forever in our hearts we see this wise, old woman.
Louise Mc Carthy