The Ballad of Baileo

The Ballad of Baileo

I sat within a valley green – 

But only in my heart.

My body tossed on waves unseen,

My spirit torn apart.

Adrift between their old desire –

Be freer, better, new –

And my own wants, a burning fire

To find roots, deep and true.

They boldly fought dark history

With a pioneering mind; 

While I now probe the mystery

Of treasures left behind.

For modern culture, intellect

And reason rule the minds,

But soul and spirit would select

Support of other kinds.

A mirror of myself I seek

Through history, culture, art –

For old clichés have grown too weak

To free my tethered heart.

Oh, home from home! My valley green,

My nourisher of soul,

Where both today and what has been

Are welcomed and made whole.

Inspired by our love of home and The Wind that Shook the Barley, by Robert Dwyer Joyce