The Feel of Ireland

Summary

The text is a poetic and sensory exploration of the author's experience with the natural beauty and sounds of Ireland, evoking a sense of tranquility and connection with the landscape.

Abstract

The author paints a vivid picture of Ireland's natural splendor, likening the environment to a musical instrument that stirs the senses. From the lullabies of the waves to the symphony of the forest, the narrative invites readers to close their eyes and immerse themselves in the serene yet dynamic landscape of Dunquin. The author describes a sensory journey through the emerald grass, the anticipation of seagulls, and the softness of Irish rain, culminating in a dreamlike state where the sky itself becomes a canvas of art. The piece concludes with a thank you to David for inspiring this musical dream prompt, suggesting that the text itself is a response to a creative invitation.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the natural sounds and beauty of Ireland, particularly the coastal area of Dunquin.
There is a sense of personal connection and nostalgia, as the author is emotionally transported to the landscape through auditory and tactile sensations.
The text conveys a reverence for the power and presence of nature, personifying the elements and suggesting a symbiotic relationship between the environment and the observer.
The author seems to find a spiritual or meditative quality in the Irish environment, emphasizing the peacefulness and the dreamlike state it induces.
The mention of "David" and the "musical dream prompt" implies that the author is responding to or inspired by another artist's work, indicating a collaborative or communal aspect to the creative process.

Nature’s musical instrument

Image by Sam Hadley — my two grandchildren

With eyes closed I tune my ears And genie myself To the remote hamlet Of delightful Dunquin Where the sleeping giant, A prisoner of the fickle sea, Lies loudly listening to the Sundry lullabies of waves Swelling and swirling, And relentlessly pounding His dark and eternal bedrock In a dance of froth and foam. As one, we breathe in the sea air And breathe out sea breeze To our lyrical heartbeats And play the salt on our lips.

A light wind caresses my face Emerald grass fondles my feet Pulling me down onto a bed Of turf and tensile moss where I while and am lulled to sleep. Diffusing the melody of my dream I am awoken to a distant chorus Of starving seagulls squawking And squabbling in anticipation Of the trawlers of silver fish Chugging into the harbour Where the world is in adagio.

Where am I now? I shut my eyes And in anticipation see myself High up in the hills squelching Through few and ancient woods. The fragrance of Irish softness Flows into my lungs Or is it the soft rain? I hark to the melody Of streams as they Tinkle down the hills To the rustling Of leaves of trees Their branches A symphony Of melodious Magical Strings.

Looking up to the blue sky I take in the two and three Dimensions of Irish skies These great works of art Hovering just above me Tempting to be stroked Like fingers on a harp. In Ireland, the clouds Are so much nearer So much mightier The air softer and So much more Welcoming.

Thank you, David, for this musical dream prompt.

The Feel of Ireland

Nature’s musical instrument

Prompt: The Music of Dreams

TOMAS TRANSTRÖMER