I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

25 March 2013

Comment on St Patrick's Day


I do not like saintly old Patrick
much less his one memorable hat-trick.
The snakes were symbolic
of Pagans, who frolic
not there any more, since his antics.

If anyone can suggest a better last rhyme, please do! 
('not there any more, thanks to that prick' did occur to me, 
but creates a much nastier mood than I intend.)

 Submitted for Poets United's Poetry Pantry #143
By -
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34 comments:

  1. Mary25 March 2013 at 10:22

    Interesting, Rosemary. I hadn't realized that.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 10:44

      I think it's mostly only us Pagans who do, these days. But yes, the driving out of the snakes really meant banishing the Pagans in the cause of converting Ireland to Christianity. Perhaps a few have crept back, but my guess is that if so they're keeping very quiet about it.

      Delete
    2. Sharp Little Pencil26 March 2013 at 07:16

      Rosemary, I'm a Christian who believes there are many paths, including Pagan. The United Church of Christ has many who practice other paths alongside their being fed by the words of Jesus...

      Being shanty Irish, I knew this story, and I do love the thought that you entertained calling him a "prick," I really do! I'm an Irish Protestant who still wants England out of Ireland, so there's some inconsistency for you. It's all about power, after all. Once side wants to reign supreme, whether it be religion or money or politics, right? Well done, you! Amy

      Delete
    3. Rosemary Nissen-Wade26 March 2013 at 08:23

      Ha ha, some of my best friends are Christians! I have actually read the whole of the Bible, and I love and revere Jesus.

      I think all paths can lead to God - or veer very far away, as human beings are so prone to add their own embellishments to the teachings of the great spiritual prophets.

      I like the lack of dogma in Paganism compared with what we call the 'book religions', and I love its reverence for Nature. I prefer to think of it as my chosen spiritual path, or expression, rather than a religion excluding all others.

      Delete
  2. Unknown25 March 2013 at 11:14

    He sure did ruin it for the snakes... and for those who appreciate them.

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    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 18:01

      I am told that Ireland is very beautiful anyway, and a country without (literal) venomous snakes must have its attractions!

      Delete
  3. Scarlet25 March 2013 at 12:10

    I am not good with limericks nor about the snakes ~

    Thanks for letting us know ~

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    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 13:39

      I'm being fairly light-hearted about it; old history, after all.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous25 March 2013 at 12:22

    I'm a Catholic who loves Saints and snakes. Just sayin'.

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  5. Sherry Blue Sky25 March 2013 at 12:51

    You are good with limericks, Rosemary. I have a hard time writing them.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 13:30

      This one just came to me, in response to someone else's in praise of St P.

      Delete
  6. aelfbee25 March 2013 at 12:58

    Recently watched a documentary about ancient Celts making their way to Oklahoma here in the United States before either Columbus or the Vikings - for religious freedom no less.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 13:31

      I had heard this, Libby. Some think they were Druids.

      Delete
  7. Audrey Howitt aka Divalounger25 March 2013 at 13:18

    I didn't know that the snakes were symbolic for pagans!

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 13:37

      Not used today, but at time, in that context, yes.

      Delete
  8. Jennifer Wagner25 March 2013 at 14:45

    Couldn't come up with a different end rhyme either.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 18:03

      Thanks for trying. It's a really hard one. It might have to be a repetition of 'Patrick'.

      Delete
  9. Madeleine Begun Kane25 March 2013 at 17:03

    If any other animals were involved, you could maybe use rat trick or cat trick or bat trick. Very few things rhyme with patrick, alas. :)

    Chew the fat trick? :)

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade25 March 2013 at 17:59

      Thank you for the great suggestions, Limerick Queen! I'll have a ponder.

      Delete
  10. dsnake126 March 2013 at 00:27

    ha, you're grouchy today. :D

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade26 March 2013 at 06:56

      Oh, I was meaning to be fairly light-hearted about it ... whilst still making the point.

      Delete
  11. Kerry O'Connor26 March 2013 at 01:09

    I think 'antic' works well for your limerick. I had a chuckle over this one.

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade26 March 2013 at 06:57

      Thanks, Kerry. I'm glad someone found it amusing.

      Delete
  12. Sharp Little Pencil26 March 2013 at 07:19

    I commented above, but Rosemary, this was indeed a perfect shot at the legend of the "saint" for whom Americans dye rivers green (with nonorganic dye, polluting the rivers) and drink green beer and green milk shakes - which will eventually be deposited on the pavement outside. I say, bring back ALL paths, that no one religion should dominate a land. Paganism, like Wicca, is a viable, fruitful way of life. Of course, I'm a Congregationalist - part of the bastard children of Puritans; the pendulum that swung to the farthest opposite of our parents!! Amy

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade26 March 2013 at 08:10

      Well well! I was christened Congregationalist long, long ago. My agnostic parents thought it was one of the more intelligent Christian sects - and also thought you 'had to' get children christened. But I never set foot in a Congregationalist church, and by the time it came to my younger brother they didn't bother.

      Delete
  13. Sharp Little Pencil26 March 2013 at 07:20

    PS I LOVE the name of your blog. Perfect for any of us "crowned" ones...

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    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade26 March 2013 at 08:11

      Oh, that's a nice pun on 'crone'! Or is it an actual derivation?

      Delete
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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade26 March 2013 at 08:14

      Oh, aren't these spammers funny! Always so deliciously inappropriate in the attempts to deceive Google's detection. I think I'll leave this one up, just for the amusement value.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous26 March 2013 at 11:41

    I thought it was very smart! Sincerely Deborah

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  16. kaykuala27 March 2013 at 09:01

    St Patrick did his part! The snakes left. What remains are people who need to thrive following their own calling! Nicely Rosemary!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete

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