'Letter to the World' - Connemara writing

Eugene

Eugene Adams is a retired educator. He and his wife Jan live in Tullyvoheen, Clifden. Their children and grandchildren are all living in America.

1999:
19 March
12 February

1998:
15 February

1997:
18 December
23 October
9 September
26 June
2 May
7 April
12 March
23 January

1996:
23 December
8 December
20 November
20 October

Photographs by Eugene

Letter to the World

by Eugene Adams

This is my letter to the world
That never wrote to me --
The simple news that Nature told
With tender majesty.

Her message is committed
To hands I cannot see --
For love of her, sweet countrymen
Judge tenderly of me.

Emily Dickinson

Friday, 19 March 1999

Dear Nobody Too,

Do you remember that rhyme to be said when you see a magpie --

One for sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret never to be told.

I mentioned it to Gerry the other day, and she reminded me of the custom of "saluting the magpie." She said -- explaining that she isn't superstitious, of course -- that if she sees only one magpie, she gives him a courteous salute, because that will keep the sorrow off.

Counting Magpies
Hardly a sign of spring on the bog road.
I cycled home hoping for a sign,
With you on my mind and no sign of spring.

I took a curve and saw three magpies rise
From the road ahead -- the nearest showed
That flash of brilliant white against the black --
Three for a girl, I thought, a sign of you --
But the furthest bird shone only black -- a crow.
Then two for joy, I thought, a better sign --
Then they were gone and I alone again.

But what was the name of that other bird, the one
Who hid himself between the other two --
Was it two for joy, or only one for sorrow --
And I the only one.

Love,
Nobody