My new favourite

I discovered this blessing poem today. I've read it several times since finding it, and each time has been just as special as the first time. I find it extremely comforting and incredibly beautiful. Something that I would like to be able to say to someone one day, have them really understand it.

The poet is John O'Donohue. I wasn't familiar with him before today, and it turns out that he was incredibly well known is his homeland of Ireland. He sadly passed away early last year aged only 52.

So here it is. Isn't it just lovely?

BEANNACHT (Blessing)

On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.

And when your eyes
freeze behind
the gray window
and the ghost of loss
gets in to you,
may a flock of colors,
indigo, red, green
and azure blue
come to awaken in you,
a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
in the curach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.

- John O'Donohue