I returned from my long dreamed, magical, transformative trip to Ireland a week ago. Turns out my physical body needed me to suffer in order for me to tune into all that I was to experience and learn while I was there.
On Day 3 of the trip, I lost my voice. A vicious case of laryngitis that refused to let go. In fact, upon my return, it got worse. I finally succumbed and went to see my primary care doctor. I had taken 3 covid/flu tests while in Ireland, so I was pretty certain I didn’t have covid as all those tests were negative. The doctor still did another covid test, the longer one, so the results for that won’t be back until next week. She did a strep test and it was negative. She also did a chest x-ray and there’s no fluid in my lungs. That was quite a relief. Most likely I simply had a vicious virus that given my weakened immune system and my refusal to stop the Ireland adventure in any way just hung on.
The silver lining is that it opened my ability to simply feel the experience of Ireland. Which I did.
I have many stories to share.
They will slowly unfold over the next few months.
Shirlene, Jenny (my travel companions) and I are putting together a slide show and we will invite all those who donated to the GoFundMe campaign to see it. Twin Cities In Motion has agreed to let us host the event with them. More coming as that is finalized.
In the meantime, I have for you the poem the cab driver, Keith Hosey, invited me to write as he drove Jenny and me to the airport to fly back to Minnesota. I wrote the poem, first poem I’ve written in at least 18 years, on the 8 hour flight. It’s a reflection on the amazing magic of Ireland.
I recorded myself reciting it.
For those that prefer reading it, here it is for you too.
Magic Ireland
Necklaces appear after being lost.
Belonging permeates every bone after being gone for a lifetime.
Grassy hills and firm ancient stones comfort the soul.
The voice fades, calling the heart to open wide and listen carefully.
Breathe deeply into fairy circles.
Guides and ancestors are of and from this land.
They speak into my soul.
I belong to this land.
Feel the belonging.
Know the belonging.
Recognize the belonging.
A trip of discovery.
A trip of remembering.
A trip of challenge buffered by ease, by kindness, by care.
Notice the heart opening.
Notice the comfort.
Notice the kindness.
Notice the ease.
Notice the magic.
Notice all are always available. No matter where on Earth I am.
I gave back the trauma to the land.
I felt it release.
The land accepts it. The land transforms it.
Now it’s okay to die.
I lived, am living, a good, right life.
Release it all.
Walk with courage into the light.
Die with comfort.
Die with ease.
Die with the guidance of all who have gone before.
Die knowing I am magic.
With love, appreciation and magic,
Mari
Beautiful
Thanks Howard! I look forward to hearing about your Africa trip!!
My god, I feel privileged to be a small part of your magic. You’re more than magic much, much more. Lovely words.
Keith,
I’m SO GLAD you invited me to write this poem!!! You too are magic and more!
I recall a conversation we had prior to your trip–one where you shared your hopes for what Ireland could offer you. From your beautiful words, I can hear that your hopes were realized, and perhaps even exceeded. My heart is full of gratitude for the universe in giving you such a gift.
And I wholeheartedly agree that “preparing to die takes a lot of energy and focus.” Who knew!!
Laura, YES, the trip exceeded my hopes and dreams!! I counted and I had 12, yes TWELVE, spiritual moments while I was in Ireland! My heart opened and I was willing to receive all that the Universe had to gift me!! I felt my Guides and my Ancestors inviting me to open and witness and experience. It was INCREDIBLE!!
And dang, preparing for death is not for the faint of heart! Love you dear Laura!!
Exquisitely beautiful Mari, both you and this poem. Thank you for sharing. It is a gift!
Thank you so much Jeanine! It was absolutely wonderful to talk with you today and all the times.
Beautiful! And yes, you ARE magic!
And Penny, do you recognize the quilt behind my head in the video!! I feel your love everyday when I snuggle with that quilt!!! You too are magic my friend!!
What a lovely poem and report back on your wonderful trip. Thanks for reading it out. You are super generous as always.
Thanks Linda!! That cab driver Keith was a messenger again! Reminding me to try poetry, I never would have thought of that on my own! And I could hear your voice suggesting I make a video of it!!! Love you always dear Linda!!
Love this Mari, what a wonderful expression of what this trip meant to you. So honored to be able to go with you.
It was another level of love and magic to have you along Shirlene!! I’m excited to work on the slide show with you and Jenny! Blessings and love ALWAYS!!