Thursday, March 17, 2011

GREEN ROOTS

Yes, I'm wearing the Green today, in honor of my ancestors with long-ago roots in Ireland. They left the known for the unknown in 1730, when this country was still great stretches of unbroken green, wild and untrod, and those steps were taken on Faith and pure Grit. I'd rather claim those hard-working, hardscrabble farmers, leaving those smoky, humble crofts and taking only their hope and their callused hands to a new land, than anyone's born-to-the-manor family line.


In Keats' A Thing Of Beauty, the first line is widely quoted, often used, and most likely the only part remembered by most folks. But the last---Ahhh, the Last. It stands beautiful head and shoulders above any lines which come before:





I send my herald thought into a wilderness:



There let its trumpet blow, and quickly dress



My uncertain path with green, that I may speed



Easily onward, through flowers and weed.





Easy it wasn't, but we're still here, still thriving, and I gladly claim my Irish Roots.
>>>>HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!<<<<



10 comments:

  1. And "Top of the Mornin'" to you, too! May your day be filled with sunshine and dancing.

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  2. Happy St. Patrick's day to you, as well. What a great post!

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  3. Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm wearin' my green today, too!

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  4. From one IRISH LASS to another...A very Happy St. Patrick's Day...
    Hugs,
    Mo :-)

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  5. I knew there was a lot to like about you. On behalf of my fore's the Shaws of County Kerry and the Hamiltons of County Cork (actually Scottish clan major types who were driven out of those Midlands and settled in Cork and pretended they were native Irish) I say thee kindred and kith.

    Not that being related to me is in any way a good thing.......

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  6. You would make them proud. I know you make me proud.

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  7. Awww, Y'all---it's so good to hear from everyone!! I've never been to Ireland, but Sis says we're going---just us two---next year. She's been, and it was really a moving, wonderful experience for her---being where our long-agos walked and lived and dreamed their dreams.

    Thank you all for your faithful interest, and I'll try to get out of this slump in posting like I used to.

    And SAST: Remind me to tell you my Daddy's link to YOUR line. Is your "eyes" e-mail still valid?

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  8. Hello Rachel, happy belated St. Patrick's Day to you too. I tried to get over yesterday but company for dinner (corned beef and cabbage of course) and time went away. Our ancestors had the same idea as yours. Smile. We are so glad they did.

    I too want to go to Ireland. My sister is going this summer. One day I will go absolutely. My dream for many years.

    Irish hugs to you and yours,
    Jeanne

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  9. Hi Rachel, I came over to thank you for your comment today. Yes, Claudie is the eternal pinkie. Smile. Her heart is so big and she is a dear person.

    Have a happy weekend Rachel.
    Hugs to you and yours. You know that is especially for Sweetpea. BIG smile.
    Jeanne xo

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  10. Happy Belated St. Patrick's day, Miss Rachel. I, too, would love to visit Ireland some day. Jessica loved it and still plots a way to go back to live someday. And yes, since he hasn't checking back yet, the 'eyes' email is still valid!

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