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

34 comments:

  1. Interesting, Rosemary. I hadn't realized that.

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    1. 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.

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    2. 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

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    3. 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.

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

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

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  3. I am not good with limericks nor about the snakes ~

    Thanks for letting us know ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  10. ha, you're grouchy today. :D

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

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

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

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  12. 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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    1. 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.

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

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

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    1. 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.

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  15. I thought it was very smart! Sincerely Deborah

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

    Hank

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