Story to a Young Daughter

"I will tell you a story of the longships with the high carved prows,
And storms at sea and battles..."

"Not that one, Daddy, another."

"Then, I'll tell you of a princess who was lonely
In her castle on a far-off hill…"

"You told me that last night."

"Well, then, I'll talk of children in a magic land,
Protected, almost, by a wizard's spell…"

"Not that one, Daddy. Tell the story of the Lord of Time."

"I will, then. Listen,
For the words are soft,
And, if you miss them, they might not come back.
I will tell you of a time when one man only walked the earth.
One man who met a girl of shining beauty, and of swinging hair -
Yes, dear, she looked a lot like you -

The clock stood still at summertime and they, -
They walked together through the warm green grass.
She was the summer sun, and when he held her hand,
He was the Lord of Time, and no one else
Existed in that magic land of love, and they were
Strong and beautiful..."

"Why, Daddy, are you crying?"

"Hush, dear, listen
To the ticking of the clock
The cricket singing for the moon…
See how the night draws on."

^

Biography

Born '40, Co. Antrim. Eventually became teacher of languages. Following several moves - England, France, N.Ireland, Dublin, I am now living in Navan. Between working, bringing up family, found time to write intermittently: formally, researching Master's and then Doctoral theses; informally, poems, short stories etc., for personal expression. Love to travel and willingly grasp any opportunity. I am a regular contributor to the 'Thought for the Day' slots with R.T.E. Radio 1, B.B.C., N.I., Northern Sound/Shannonside. I am also active with the Meath Writers' Circle