The Slieve of Donard up on high
Above reflecting sea;
Around the bay a town doth lie,
Sheltering in the lee.
A slender spire points heavenward,
Of tapering granite stone;
Glistening blocks of quarry shard,
Raised to stand alone.
Deep waters change to lustrous blue,
Sun following on the dawn;
Mountains still in darkened hue,
Nightly shadows gone.
Birds greet the light in song and flight,
Life awakening all around;
Late in the day most wondrous sight,
Swallows skim the ground.
Alternating tide ‘cross bouldered beach,
Slave to Lunar power;
To kiss the land each inward reach,
Every day, the month, the hour.
Draped cloth of cloud o’er yonder hill,
Crash of thunder sounding;
Heaven and Earth imposing mighty will
Anoints with rain abounding.
Before Mankind e’r trod the world,
Or sailed a far-flung ocean;
Or pride dictated flags unfurled,
These things were all in motion.
Monty Alexander 31.7.09